Kanika Jain: How did you come to know about the Yale Innovation Summit?
Vivian Gu : During my post-doctoral work, I realized that my thoughts and network were primarily focused on my scientific research and individual projects. While this was valuable, I wanted to expand my perspective. I wanted to engage with professionals from related fields and seek out interdisciplinary connections. That's when I learned about the Yale Innovation Summit through amplifyHERscience, a program dedicated to promoting female-led scientific innovation.
KJ: Could you provide some insights into the Yale Innovation Summit and its purpose?
VG: The Yale Innovation Summit is an annual event organized by Yale Ventures. This year it had five tracks: biotech, healthcare, art, climate, and technology and brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors from various industries to explore groundbreaking ideas and forge interdisciplinary collaborations. Its primary goal was to expand the impact of Yale innovators and provide a platform for showcasing diverse startups and facilitate networking opportunities.
KJ: How was your experience at the event?
VG: The event was quite impressive in terms of its scale and the diversity of participants. There were representatives from prominent pharmaceutical and biotech companies who were actively seeking new investment opportunities, and a wide range of investors from various firms. It was overwhelming, but in a positive way, as it created a vibrant atmosphere filled with possibilities. I enjoyed attending the insightful plenary sessions, thought provoking panel discussions, and networking sessions. Additionally, the e-poster presentations showcasing emerging technologies was a great platform for me to discover and discuss cutting-edge research and innovative ideas
KJ: What did you find most interesting at the Yale Innovation Summit?
VG: I was particularly drawn to the biotech and health panels featuring nearly 50 leading venture investors and pharmaceutical industry executives. Attending these sessions has helped me gain insights into how investors think and evaluate technologies. I learned that while scientific innovation and technical rigor are essential, investors also consider factors such as risk assessment, competitive advantage, market potential, team expertise, industry experience, and the ability to execute a successful business plan. These valuable insights have given me a fresh perspective on my own project, considering how to enhance its broader appeal.
KJ: Did you have any notable interactions or encounters during the summit?
VG: Absolutely! At the Emerging Yale Biotech Showcase, several professors from the Section of Cardiovascular Medicine presented their companies and innovations. Anne Eichmann, PhD, discussed her company, D2B3, which focuses on a new drug delivery platform for crossing the blood-brain barrier. TargetSite Therapeutics, a Yale spinout founded by Jeffrey Bender, MD, and Vinod Ramgolam, PhD, pitched their first-in-class mRNA-targeted therapeutics for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, Jennifer M. Kwan, MD, PhD, presented her company, Rx Score, which aims to revolutionize cardiovascular disease management with precision genetics. Yasuko Iwakiri, PhD, from the Section of Digestive Diseases also presented a unique therapy targeting VEGF-C to treat liver cirrhosis.
KJ: Great! How do you think attending such events could be beneficial to other trainees?
VG: I do recommend attending this event whenever it happens next. It offers insights into how to pitch a scientific idea effectively and creatively to investors and what aspects they are interested in. Understanding this can help leverage scientific innovation to meet specific market needs and impact patient care. The networking opportunities allow us to polish our communication skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Importantly, it provides a chance to practice marketing oneself and scientific innovations. The Yale Innovation Summit provides an excellent platform for scientists with an entrepreneurial drive to explore commercialization opportunities for their technologies. In addition, it exposes trainees to the resources available within the Yale startup community and encourages them to consider how their research can become impactful innovations.
KJ: It sounds like a valuable experience. Was there anything else that stood out about the event?
VG: Overall, the Yale Innovation Summit impressed me with its exceptional organization and commitment to providing a top-notch experience. The inclusion of a dinner reception was a highlight, as it allowed attendees to engage in networking and meaningful interactions. One standout aspect was the event's cost, as registration was entirely free for Yale participants. This offered a significant advantage, especially for Yale trainees, who may face limited access to similar resources and opportunities at other institutions.