Dr. Willis shared A comprehensive overview of how to effectively commercialize life science innovations and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within universities. In the rapidly evolving field of life sciences, translating groundbreaking academic research into viable market solutions presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Her talk was based on both personal experiences as an entrepreneur and investor as well as learnings from other company’s successes and failures. Dr. Willis explored the journey of life science innovations from the lab to commercial success, addressing critical questions such as the origins of new life science products and the strategies for assessing their commercial potential.

Dr. Towler shared his journey as an inventor developing patented technology to stop severe bleeding in the field. It’s a tantalum-based bioactive glass powder that can be applied to a wound to dramatically reduce blood clotting time, whether that’s in the back of an ambulance, in the ER, on the battlefield, or in the home.