​EPISODE 46 [LIVE]
California Life Sciences: The Year Ahead

​Coming out of JPM, the life sciences industry is once again taking stock—of capital flows, confidence levels, policy signals, and where momentum is actually building. In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of California Life Sciences to look beyond the signals at JPM to focus on what the year ahead is likely to hold for the nation’s largest life sciences ecosystem.

​The conversation explores how California continues to function as a center of gravity for biotech and medtech innovation, even as the market recalibrates. From shifting investor expectations and evolving company formation strategies to workforce dynamics, infrastructure needs, and competitiveness on a global stage, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what matters most right now—and what leaders should be watching next.

​For founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem builders, this episode provides context, clarity, and a forward-looking view from one of the industry’s most influential vantage points.

​About the Guest

​Mike Guerra, President and CEO, California Life Sciences (CLS)

​Mike Guerra serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of California Life Sciences (CLS), the state’s most impactful and influential trade association advocating for California’s life sciences industry. Representing more than 1300 member companies, he strives to advance California’s leadership as the world-leading life sciences innovation ecosystem by advocating for effective national, state and local public policies and supporting entrepreneurs and life sciences businesses.

​A seasoned business leader with extensive experience within the California life sciences community, Mike serves as Chair of the Council of State Biotech Associations (CSBA) and currently sits on the Board of Directors for California Life Sciences (CLS), California Life Sciences Institute (CLSI), GeminiBio, and the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative. He has held senior leadership positions with VWR International, a leading global distributor and manufacturer of products to the life sciences industry for over a decade. In his last role at VWR, he was Vice President of Sales for the Western Region of the United States, responsible for companies in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, industrial and production businesses. Prior to joining CLS, Mike was Vice President of the Americas for Avidity Science, a worldwide leader in water purification systems and laboratory equipment. While there, he helped build and lead their life sciences business and channel strategy. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Host

​Chris Frew

​Chris is the Founder of BioBuzz Networks, Inc, a life science talent community and hiring platform, and CEO of Workforce Genetics, LLC (WGx), a prominent life science recruitment firm. He has been supporting companies in the regional life sciences industry with recruiting and marketing solutions for 20+ years.

​Previously serving as the Vice President of Sales at Breezio, a leading innovator in cloud-based online communities, and the Vice President of Tech USA’s Scientific Division, which he founded and grew into a national practice. Chris has almost two decades of experience successfully leading teams, projects and fostering engaged communities within the Life Science industry.

​He is a Maryland native and a graduate of Towson University.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Program

​What's the Buzz?!

​This weekly podcast, broadcast live, features life sciences leaders and regional ecosystem builders who share bold ideas, real stories, and what’s ahead for our industry.

Hosted by our CEO, Chris Frew, and powered by QNova LifeSciences and MTEC | Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium this January, this 30-minute virtual series is streamed across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook — reaching thousands of professionals every episode.

The show highlights one-on-one conversations with founders, executives, strategists, and ecosystem builders. While focusing on the biohubs where we are most active, What’s the Buzz?! also explores emerging regions, trends, and innovations shaping the future of life sciences.

Topics include:
➡️ Biotech growth & investment trends
➡️ Workforce development & talent strategies
➡️ Emerging tools & technologies
➡️ Policy & ecosystem influence
➡️ Public-private collaboration

​Website | Contact

​About the Sponsor

​QNova Life Sciences

​​QNova LifeSciences is a global, innovative regulatory consulting group. They specialize in advancing therapeutics and medical devices through development and regulatory approval offering customized solutions that mitigate risk, time, and expense to support the U.S. market goals of your company.

​​LinkedIn | Website

​​Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC)

​​MTEC is a biomedical technology consortium collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC).

​​MTEC fosters integrated research partnerships and speeds the availability of solutions to the military, veterans the civilian population. With more than 700 members, we are always seeking to grow our membership that includes representatives from the following:

• ​​Small and Large Businesses

• ​​'Non-Traditional'​ Government Contractors

• ​​Not-For-Profit Organizations

• ​​Academic Research Organizations

​​Membership Benefits include:

• ​​Networking opportunities with other industry and academic MTEC members in addition to opportunities with government stakeholders through annual membership meetings, conferences and forums.

• ​​Greater visibility into government needs and priorities as well as an increased ability to leverage IR&D investments to meet those needs.

• ​​MTEC operates through a flexible contracting vehicle that minimizes cash flow challenges for small businesses that receive research project awards.

​​LinkedIn | Website