Review Board

Christine Brennan, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Vertex Ventures HC
Chris Garabedian
Chairman and CEO, Xontogeny
Omar H. Khalil
Partner, Santé Ventures
Emma Lees, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President of Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb
Chandra Ramanathan
Chandra Ramanathan
Global Head of Innovation Hubs, Danaher

Premier Sponsors

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Curriculum Experts

Browne Consulting

Business Operations and Accounting

Browne Consulting is a premier firm specializing in life science accounting services, catering to the unique financial needs of companies operating within the biotechnology ecosystem. With a team of seasoned professionals possessing in-depth industry knowledge and expertise, Browne Consulting offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the intricacies of life science businesses and has provided operational finance and accounting for more than 100 venture-backed biotech startups. From producing GAAP financial statements, board reporting, and budgeting, to payroll, benefits and tactical human resources, our firm is committed to delivering unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Our accountants, controllers, and directors remain committed to a client for the duration of our engagement, ensuring a sustained high standard of support. As your company grows, we are able to dedicate additional resources to evolve our team alongside yours. We understand the dynamic nature of the life science industry and are dedicated to providing proactive guidance to help our clients navigate complex financial challenges and achieve their business objectives with confidence.

Thermo Fisher

Drug Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 100,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.

Wilson Sonsini

IP and Legal

Wilson Sonsini’s Boston office is home to one of the leading life sciences law practices in both the city and New England. The firm focuses on providing practical, business-savvy advice to entrepreneurs and investors as they build tomorrow’s companies. Wilson Sonsini’s Boston office keeps the team in close proximity to the many extraordinary growth enterprises and innovative scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and universities in and around the area. The firm’s team frequently represents companies that are significant influencers in the life sciences, technology, energy, and financial industries, among other sectors. The firm’s clients range from early-stage start-ups to public companies, as well as their board and management teams, and also represents leading venture capital and private equity firms, along with other investor institutions.

KPMG

Regulatory Strategy

New regulatory requirements, a flurry of M&A activity, fierce competition, declining margins and rapidly emerging technologies create new complexities for medical device, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies. Further, there is growing scrutiny on drug prices along with lengthy and costly R&D cycles. Many life sciences companies are taking new approaches to achieve growth and improve performance, all while focusing on managing risk and maintaining compliance. At KPMG, we have a long track record of helping life sciences organizations define and implement practical solutions to their most complex challenges. 

Xotogeny

Fundraising

Based in Boston, MA, Xontogeny seeks to accelerate the development of life science technologies by providing entrepreneurs with funding options as well as the leadership, strategic guidance and operational support necessary to increase the probability of success in early drug and technology development. Through a differentiated approach, the Xontogeny team partners with founding scientists and entrepreneurs to support their vision while allowing a more efficient development model that benefits company founders and early equity holders.