I had the privilege of joining the morning session at the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School, a powerful lineup of speakers showcased the depth and future of RNA science.
✨ Key Highlights:
Craig Mello: RNAi is precisely controlled in germline cells, guiding safer RNA therapies.
Eva Gottwein: KSHV microRNAs hijack host genes like PROX1 to drive cancer.
Christine Mayr: 3' UTRs direct protein function, reshaping mRNA therapy strategies.
🏆 Spotlight:
Vasant Jadhav: GalNAc-siRNA enables targeted, durable RNA drugs via simple injection.
In BAI, we’ve been planning an event around BIO 2025 to discuss medical device compliance, FDA pathways, and regulatory strategy.
If you're interested in joining or learning more, feel free to reach out!
I had the privilege of attending the MIT $100K Launch Finale—a landmark event that brings together some of the brightest minds turning bold ideas into high-impact ventures. Its project-based learning model empowers students to experiment, iterate, and build ventures that tackle real problems.
🏆 Semi-Finalist Highlights
Apptora – AI simulations for hiring developers
Flood Dynamics – Rain-aware flood risk modeling
Guardian – First SMB-focused commodity hedging
Apollo Atomics – Factory-built compact nuclear power
Absentia Labs – AI-based alternative to animal testing
UpCycleX – Plastic-to-chemical circular economy
Haven – Financial planning for special needs families
UMBO – Invisible hearing tech
Coflo – Device to inject viscous biologics at home
Otomo – Full-stack AI concierge for patient care
Cognify – Synthetic user testing at scale
ECCubed – Concrete that stores energy
Kira – Desalination for oil/gas wastewater
Maywood – Automating M&A workflows
Aortoscope – AR and AI guidance for vascular surgery
🔁 Bridging Talent & Capital
For investors, accelerators, and strategic partners outside Boston, we’ve quietly built a bridge into this innovation pipeline — the Cambridge Innovation Partner (CIP) Program, powered by TopContenders Network.
Not Even a Storm Could Stop the Biosecurity Brainstorm at Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.’s New Space
The stormy weather couldn’t deter a great turnout—a true testament to the dedication and passion of the biosecurity, biotech, and public health communities. While the wind howled outside, inside Ginkgo Biosecurity’s new Seaport event space, the energy was all about big ideas, meaningful conversations, and innovative solutions to some of our most pressing global challenges.
Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending the Elev X! Startup Launchpad event at the beautiful MIT Sloan School of Management. Despite the rainy weather, the event delivered on all fronts—insights, connections, and inspiration for early-stage founders and innovators.
The evening started with a compelling introduction by Naoto Mizuguchi, CFO of NEC X, assisted by Mai Takeuchi, Business Acceleration Manager. They presented the three-phase structure of the Elev X program, highlighting its competitive and rigorous nature (Example):
From 300 applicants, 30 projects make it to Phase 1 (~10% acceptance rate).
Phase 2 narrows this further to just 7 teams.
By Phase 3, only 2 projects remain standing.
The stakes are high, but the chance to compete on the merits of your project makes it an extraordinary journey for ambitious founders.
✨ Reimagining Health AI at MIT with CHAI! ✨
Yesterday, I attended a compelling presentation by Dr. Brian Anderson, MD Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), at MIT. The event was hosted by Anne Quaadgras, Director of the MIT Sloan Health Systems Initiative, and Doug Williams, Product Lead at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. Their thoughtful moderation and expertise enriched the conversation, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking session.