Activator Alumni Panel: Jonathan Scheiman and Janet Namutebi
Join the Nucleate Activator Info Session to hear directly from Activator alumni who turned their academic research into successful biotech companies. In this session, you’ll learn how the Activator program helped these founders assemble teams, refine their ideas, and connect with industry leaders across biotech, pharma, and venture capital.
At this session, join us to hear from Jonathan Scheiman, Co-Founder & CEO at FitBiomics and Janet Namutebi Co-Founder at EcoGrains who will share their science and how the Activator shaped the path from idea to company.
🧫 Jonathan Scheiman, PhD is the Co-Founder and CEO of FitBiomics, a biotech company translating insights from elite athletes’ microbiomes into next-generation probiotics that enhance health, performance, and longevity. A former Harvard Medical School and Wyss Institute researcher with a PhD from NYU School of Medicine, Jonathan bridges sports and biotechnology through data-driven innovation. His flagship product, Nella, is the first probiotic clinically shown to improve sleep, gut health, and energy—advancing FitBiomics’ mission to redefine human performance through science.
⚡ Janet Namutebi is the Co-Founder of EcoGrains, a clean-energy startup turning agricultural waste into sustainable aviation fuel. With an MSc in Engineering, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame, she combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision. A 2025 InnoPower Innovator and DOE EnergyTech Prize winner, Janet is redefining how innovation can power a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
Whether you’re considering applying as an inventor, contributor, or team affiliate, this is your chance to get an inside look at the Activator experience, ask questions, and see what’s possible through Nucleate.
📅 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from mid-September through October 31. Apply early to maximize your chances of review and selection!
Attend this info session to learn more about the program, explore the application process, and get your questions last minute questions answered!
About the Host:
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.xyz for more information, and visit https://nucleate.xyz/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.
We want to thank our HQ supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!
Platinum: Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, MilliporeSigma
Philanthropic Support: Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Preferred Partners: Pillar VC, Amino Collective, Excedr, Mercury, Brex, Fedsprout
In-Kind Support: AcademicLabs, Lens.org, SynBioBeta