Research to Startup: Translating Academic Science into Venture-Backed Companies
Breakthrough biotech and AI-enabled healthcare innovation often begins in academic labs, but transforming scientific research into a venture-backed company requires far more than great science alone.
From intellectual property and university licensing to fundraising, commercialization, and founder readiness, many early-stage scientists face a steep learning curve when navigating the path from academia to startup creation.
Join us for an evening panel discussion featuring biotech founders, AI-driven healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts as we explore how cutting-edge academic research becomes commercially viable innovation.
This event is designed to demystify the translational pathway and provide practical insights for scientists, researchers, and aspiring founders interested in entrepreneurship and company formation.
Discussion Topics Include:
• How university IP licensing and tech transfer work
• What makes academic research commercially viable
• The growing role of AI in biotech discovery and commercialization
• Common mistakes first-time biotech founders make
• When and how to raise pre-seed capital
• Navigating the transition from researcher to entrepreneur
Meet the Speakers:
Neal Amin, M.D., Ph.D., Founder & CEO of Sculpta Bio. Neuroscientist and Stanford clinician turned biotech founder, focused on translating RNA-based genetic insights into precision therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, neurodevelopmental disorders, and brain aging.
Who Should Attend:
Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, translational scientists, AI and biotech founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and angel investors interested in emerging life science innovation.
Whether you are exploring commercialization for the first time or actively building a company around academic research, this event will provide valuable perspective on the realities of biotech entrepreneurship, venture creation, and translating science into real-world impact.
Meet the Host
Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation is a nonprofit committed to expanding biotech understanding and improving access to the industry through education, mentorship, and networking. We host roundtables, speaker panels, and community events to connect aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs with industry leaders. Our goals: launch a funded research program within two years and build a state-of-the-art lab in the Bay Area within five. Follow us on LinkedIn or reach out to Vanloan Nguyen to get involved!
Meet the Co-Host
MBC BioLabs is a premier biotech incubator dedicated to helping life science startups grow from idea to impact. With locations across the Bay Area, MBC BioLabs provides state-of-the-art lab space, operational support, and a collaborative community designed to accelerate innovation in biotech and healthcare.