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Congratulations to the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge Winners at RESI JPM 2025 

22 Jan

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

At RESI JPM 2025, 56 companies participated in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC). These finalist companies pitched to an audience and fielded questions from an investor judges panel, as well as showcased their technology at the conference in the IPC exhibition hall.

Registered RESI attendees, including startup executives, early-stage investors, and industry experts, voted for their favorite IPC company using RESI cash provided. Votes were based on the pitch company’s presentation and networking in the exhibit hall and their performance in the Q&A portion of their pitch session.

Life Science Nation is thrilled to announce the winners who received the most votes during RESI JPM 2025. Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and to all participants for showcasing their inspiring innovations!

First Place: Kimaritec

Kimaritec is a pre-clinical-stage small molecule therapeutics company with lead programs in cancer and a platform technology applicable to many targets and for future indications including neurological disorders. We develop inhibitors that selectively block SUMOylation, a post-translational modification used by cancer cells to stabilise target proteins. Blocking specific SUMOylation events induces Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) or inhibits protein function leading to anti-cancer outcomes. In vitro Proof-of-Concept has been achieved for two cancer targets o Because SUMOylation inhibition is a new paradigm for TPD, we chose EGFR as a demonstration target. A hit molecule series causes EGFR degradation and reduces cancer cell growth. o Kimaritec’s lead commercial program is a first-in-class inhibitor of a undrugged transcription factor required for tumour initiation and growth. We seek a $4M seed investment to focus on the commercial target, to progress our molecules through a drug discovery process and achieve IND candidate status by 2027.


Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series | Sally Stephenson, Founder, Kimaritec Pty Ltd | Greg Mannix, VP, International Business Development, Life Science Nation

Second Place: Molecular You

Molecular You is the first and only multi-biomarker analytics platform, designed to support providers with early detection of disease in over 26 areas. This AI-powered platform analyzes 250+ protein and metabolite biomarkers and gives practitioners evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to tackle disease risk. The product is in-market, selling through clinics across the US and Canada looking to offer the most advanced preventive testing to their patients. In Q4 2024, the company also signed a distribution and licensing deal with a nationwide lab partner, HealthQuest Esoterics. This deal will expose Molecular You’s offering to over 1 million patients, through multiple verticals already established by the partner. Molecular You is raising a $6 million SAFE, with $3 million committed.


Haiyan Yang, Ph.D., MBA, VP Operations, Co-founder, Molecular You | Joey Wong, Director of Investor Research, Life Science Nation | Gene Shkolnikov, CTO, Molecular You | Rob Fraser, Ph.D., CSO + President, Co-founder, Molecular You | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series

Third Place: Rhythm Biotherapeutics

Rhythm Biotherapeutics is focused on addressing a critical unmet need: preventing and treating atrial fibrillation (AF), a chronic, progressive, and life-threatening disease. AF occurs in 30% to 50% of patients undergoing open-chest cardiac surgery, leading to increased costs, morbidity and mortality. Our lead asset is a prophylactic human cardiac exosome therapy that has demonstrated an 87% reduction in postoperative AF in extensive and compelling preclinical studies that confirm safety, efficacy, and a mechanism of action targeting the cause of AF: inflammation and fibrosis. Dr. Darryl Davis, our founder and CEO/CSO, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, globally recognized as the leading expert on using human exosomes to treat heart rhythm disorders. Our platform pipeline includes indications for patients with paroxysmal AF. We are raising a $3 million seed2 round to complete our phase 1 clinical trial, to advance our preclinical pipeline therapies, and secure strategic partnerships.


Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series | Julia Pomoransky, Chief Business Officer, Capital Bioventures | Erika Wu, Business Development Manager, Life Science Nation

For those interested in participating in the next Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, applications are now open for RESI Europe 2025. This event will take place on April 1 at the InterContinental Barcelona, featuring a one-day in-person conference followed by two days of virtual partnering. Early application is encouraged as spots are filled on a rolling basis.

Additionally, registration for RESI Europe is now open with super early bird rates available. Prospective attendees can save €400 by registering before Friday, January 31.


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Exciting Partnership Milestone!

22 Jan

Convergence Medical Secure $5 Million From Global Investors for World-First Surgical Robot

Life Science Nation is thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement within our ecosystem. Avicella Capital (Listen to the Interview with Dr. Gennady Bratslavsky, Co-Founder & Partner at Avicella Capital), a valued member of our Global Partnering Network, and Convergence Medical, a standout from the LSN Entrepreneurial Education program cohort sponsored by Brisbane Economic Development Agency, have joined forces in a $5M funding round.

This accomplishment underscores the power of collaboration and the impact of the resources and opportunities provided through the LSN Partnering Ecosystem. We’re proud to see these connections driving innovation and fueling growth in the life sciences sector.

Congratulations to Avicella Capital and Convergence Medical on this successful partnership—we can’t wait to see the incredible advancements that emerge from this collaboration!

Brisbane MedTech company Convergence Medical has secured AU$5 million from global investors, closing out its successful Series A funding round.

US investor Avicella Capital has backed the company’s world-first arthroscopic surgical robot – named VO1 – which will support plans to commercialise the robot, expand into the US and disrupt the $6.1 billion global arthroscopic industry.

The funding milestone elevates the company to a valuation of over AU$30 million, setting the stage for significant expansion and innovation in the global healthcare sector. It also delivers a significant return on investment to angel, pre-seed and seed investors who have backed the company since its inception three years ago.

Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat over 50 million injured wrists, elbows, shoulders, spines, hips, knees and ankles each year globally. The V01 robot is designed to reduce the physical and cognitive burden on surgeons while enhancing operative precision and dexterity and is set to transform arthroscopic operations.

The funding follows the VO1’s acceptance into the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program in December 2023, expediting its path to market. Less than 3% of devices submitted to the FDA are accepted into this program.

Convergence Medical founder and CEO Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation, and seasoned entrepreneur behind other notable MedTech ventures including Field Orthopaedics and Audeara, said the investment would help accelerate growth. 

“We’re thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our journey to commercialisation and excited to be working with Avicella Capital, who are seasoned investors with a great track record in the global MedTech industry,” said Dr Jeffery.

“This funding enables us to accelerate our growth and bring our transformative technology to hospitals and surgeons around the globe.

“Our mission is to create more efficient, effective solutions that support medical professionals and improve patient outcomes worldwide.”

Dr. Gennady Bratslavsky, co-founder and Partner of Avicella Capital is excited to partner with the Brisbane-based MedTech company. 

“We recognise the potential of Convergence Medical as they look to transform arthroscopic surgeries for physicians and patients globally. Convergence Medical, under the leadership of Chris Jeffrey, is a pioneer in MedTech innovation,” said Dr. Bratslavsky.

The funding will be directed toward scaling production, expanding global partnerships, and advancing research and development efforts in preparation for the Company’s soon anticipated soft launch of the V01 World First Arthroscopic Surgical Robot.

With its headquarters in Brisbane, Convergence Medical is also committed to fostering local talent and solidifying the city’s reputation as a leader in medical technology.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said the investment reflected the opportunities in Brisbane’s MedTech industry. 

“Brisbane’s MedTech sector is experiencing remarkable growth, unlocking incredible opportunities for innovation and investment,” Mr Ryan said.

“We’re delighted to see Chris and the Convergence Medical team continue to grow and attract investment on their journey to commercialisation.

“Brisbane has a proud history of pioneering world-firsts in health, driven by our exceptional talent and world-class health and research institutes.

“At BEDA, our mission is to foster a collaborative and supportive business community that empowers this momentum, ensuring Brisbane remains at the forefront of global health advancements.”

For more information, please contact: Dr Chris Jeffery
E: chris@convergenceortho.com
M: +61 401249783.

About Convergence Medical: Convergence Medical is a Brisbane-based MedTech innovator developing world-first robotic solutions for surgical precision and efficiency. Founded by Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation and experienced entrepreneur, the company is dedicated to transforming medical practices globally through advanced technology and a commitment to excellence.

Super Early Bird Rates for RESI Europe 2025 End January 31

22 Jan

By Greg Mannix, VP, EMEA Business Development, LSN

RESI Europe 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for life science professionals with Super Early Bird registration rates ending on January 31, 2025. Attendees can save €400 by registering before this deadline for the conference taking place in Barcelona.

The event will feature an in-person conference on April 1, 2025, at The InterContinental Barcelona, followed by two days of virtual partnering on April 2-3, 2025. Hosted by Life Science Nation (LSN) in collaboration with Biocat, the conference aims to connect healthcare innovators with global investors and strategic partners.

With over 250 global investors and 250 life science innovators expected, RESI Europe provides a critical platform for companies in drugs, devices, diagnostics, and digital health to secure capital, explore partnerships, and negotiate potential licensing deals. Professionals interested in taking advantage of the significant savings should register before January 31, 2025, to benefit from the Super Early Bird rates


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Companies to Watch 2025 

7 Jan

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

DF-News-09142022Life Science Nation (LSN) has established a global partnering platform connecting scientist-entrepreneurs and fundraising CEOs with capital, licensing, and product collaboration partners. Along the way, LSN has gained valuable insights into what makes a strong match for our buy-side partners.

Through discussions with hundreds of investors, I’ve explored how their pursuit of technology assets balances with the inherent risks of taking on unproven ventures. The answer is nuanced but typically revolves around a company’s key attributes: the science, the management team, milestones achieved, and the data proving the technology’s trajectory.

Similarly, I’ve developed a personal framework for evaluating companies referred to LSN through regional tech hubs, incubators, accelerators, and national or state life science agencies. Here are the qualities I prioritize:

The Founding Scientist

A founding scientist with a deep history in the science and technology at the heart of the company is invaluable. Many “new” technologies are refinements of decades-long research. When the original scientist remains involved—whether as a CTO, advisor, or board member—it helps de-risk the opportunity. Their historical perspective lends credibility to the technology’s validation and translation. Even if the assets are relatively new, a thorough understanding of their context, history, and potential demonstrates leadership’s grasp of the technology’s capabilities and future.

The CEO

Startups often feature CEOs with diverse backgrounds, and experience matters. I’m particularly drawn to those who previously held mid-level executive roles in large drug or device companies, where they successfully managed product launches—especially blockbusters. These CEOs bring practical, been-there-done-that expertise, which they now channel into their startups.

Equally important is the CEO’s ability to listen, adapt, and apply feedback. Coachability and a willingness to learn quickly are essential traits for navigating the challenges of the startup journey.

The Management Team

A diverse and complementary management team strengthens a company’s foundation. The best CEOs build teams with varied expertise that enhances their leadership and covers all critical areas. Teams with corporate experience understand when to hold steady, pivot, or fold, and this insight positions them for success. A team with a proven track record of success and the ambition to transition their startup to the next level will attract attention and generate momentum.

Milestones and Data

A well-structured plan with realistic milestones and compelling, validating data is essential. This demonstrates that the product is progressing in the right direction. Credibility is earned when milestones are achieved and data is presented clearly and honestly. Conversely, a lack of coordination erodes trust and opportunities for partnerships. Investors and partners value data-driven, achievable goals that reinforce confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Entrepreneurial Agency

Entrepreneurial agency is hard to define, but it’s unmistakable when you see it. It’s the confidence, passion, professionalism, and determination that propel a company forward. This “mojo” inspires trust and sets companies apart.

While I admire seasoned CEOs from large enterprises who bring their expertise to startups, I also value the energy of dynamic founders driven by their passion to address unmet medical needs.

Drumroll, please: My Companies to Watch in 2025:

Eysz (California, US)

Eysz-Inc

Eysz is transforming brain health by bringing objective biomarkers, traditionally limited to specialists, directly to primary care physicians. Our first product, the Eysz HV Recorder, enables pediatricians to detect epilepsy in children through smartphone-based facial biometric analysis, reducing neurology workup wait times from 9 months to just 2 weeks. This innovation boosts primary care revenue and allows specialists to focus on the most critical cases. With a $10 billion market in cognitive and mood disorder screening and monitoring, Eysz offers a game-changing solution that meets key clinical and financial needs.

EYWA Biotech (Brazil)

Eywa-Biotech

EYWA Biotech is pioneering the production of sustainable psychedelic compounds through synthetic biology and genetic engineering. As the first GMP-certified platform of its kind in Latin America, we focus on developing high-quality APIs and formulations for the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Our innovative approach not only ensures reduced environmental impact but also delivers cost-effective solutions with rapid therapeutic action. With a commitment to advancing mental health treatment, EYWA is at the forefront of the global movement towards next-generation psychiatric care.

Gate2Brain (Spain)

Gate2Brain

Gate2Brain is a biotech company focused on the development of therapeutics that efficiently cross biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, using a radically innovative peptide-based patented technology platform.

G2B-002, the first therapeutic proof of concept of our technology platform, is aimed mainly at the treatment of rare pediatric solid tumors.

Gen-t (Brazil)

Gen-t-science

We are a company formed by the union of nonconformists. On the one hand, scientists who seek to discover who Brazilians really are and, on the other hand, entrepreneurs and investors who understand the value of this discovery for the country.

While other countries in the world are advancing in the sequencing of the DNA of their population, Brazil is still behind. Traditional paths to the evolution of science do not advance. And we are the ones who lose out, because important traits that may be hidden in our genome are no longer identified, putting Brazilians outside the so-called precision medicine.

Gen-t was created to be a platform capable of including Brazil on the map of genomic research. Understanding our origins is the only path to full development. Knowing our identity, we will be able to develop more effective medicines and treatments for our diseases and verify that Brazil is, in fact, one of the countries with the greatest genetic diversity in the world.

GuideAI Health (Massachusetts, US)

GuideAI-Health

GuideAI Health was founded by clinicians with a mission to improve early detection and diagnosis of chronic vascular disease. As interventional radiologists, we’ve witnessed firsthand failures to identify life-threatening disease, which is why we’ve designed advanced AI models to address this critical gap. Our AI-powered platform is the first solution targeting peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which affects 230 million worldwide. By detecting subtle disease markers often missed by the human eye, we enable earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment to save lives, limbs, and healthcare costs.

IN8bio (Alabama, US)

IN8bio

IN8bio was founded with the mission of developing next-generation cellular therapies for treating cancer. Dr. Lawrence Lamb, one the Company’s co-founders, is a leader in the field of gamma-delta T cells. During his postdoctoral fellowship in transplant medicine, he was the first to describe homeostatic reconstitution of gamma-delta T cells in patients who receive alpha-beta T cell depleted bone marrow grafts. Dr. Lamb also identified an association between gamma-delta T cell levels and disease-free survival in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This work formed the foundation of IN8bio’s focus on delivering gamma-delta therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The Company is developing allogeneic, autologous, iPSC and genetically modified gamma-delta T cell therapies. Dr. Lamb’s research has formed the basis for the company’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, two in newly-diagnosed Glioblastoma and one in leukemia and lymphoma patients undergoing hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation.

Serenatis (England)

Serenatis-Bio

Serenatis is developing three novel small-molecule drugs, each with a unique mechanism of action targeting different pathways implicated in OCD, including the glutamate, dopamine, and mu[1]opioid systems. These innovative therapies aim to address the root causes of OCD and offer new hope for patients through precision medicine.

Serenatis is positioned to revolutionise OCD treatment, opening a multi-billion market.

Servatus (Australia)

Servatus-Ltd

Servatus Ltd is a global leading therapeutics company with first-in-class clinical results for the safe and effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using live biotherapeutics. Servatus has built an efficient, integrated drug development pipeline founded upon a pragmatic, results driven approach to R&D.  This approach has enabled Servatus to successfully complete a Phase 2a trial in RA, as well as IBS-C (Phase 1) and Insomnia (Phase 2a). Our efficacy results, in combination with an excellent safety profile, mean we are well positioned to access large patient populations with unmet needs, becoming one of the first companies to realize the enormous potential of microbial biotherapeutics.

Value and Trust Co., Ltd. (Korea)

VNTC--N

Value and Trust Co., Ltd.(hereafter VNTC) develops solutions to maintain the correct shape of the spine. Our main product is spine correction brace, Spinamic, but we also develop advanced diagnostic and prescription system to help produce more sophisticated devices. Our focus at the moment is on teenage patients with scoliosis(AIS) and we aim to ensure that children with scoliosis maintain the correct shape of spine without surgery.

Our product, Spinamic, is a fabric type scoliosis brace, which is easy to wear and washable, thus more hygienic. Through our brace, we can treat AIS(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) patients the most effective way with minimized side effects that existing rigid braces have failed to deal with. Our focus is to improve the quality of life of the scoliosis patients without side effects, especially depression. We are now preparing to develop and apply our product and system to various vertebral deformities.

For our goal of improving patients’ quality of life, VNTC works with many spinal experts including spinal mechanic engineers, doctors, product designers, and textile experts.

Wellumio (New Zealand)

Wellumio

Wellumio, a venture-backed startup, is transforming acute stroke care with its Axana™ imaging solution. Powered by Pulsed-Gradient Free Imaging—a groundbreaking, non-radioactive magnetic resonance technology—Axana™ brings acute brain scans directly to the point of care, opening new frontiers in imaging applications. Engineered to bypass traditional radiology infrastructure, this innovation breaks down conventional MRI access barriers, delivering portable brain imaging within minutes at the bedside. After demonstrating efficacy in preclinical trials and advancing to human clinical trials, we are now working to bring this transformative solution to emergency clinical settings where every second counts.

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Sougato Das Joins LSN as President and Chief Operating Officer

7 Jan

Sougato-DasLSN announces that Sougato Das has joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer. Sougato will oversee the growth and management of the RESI Conferences and the Investor and Licensing Partner Database business units. Under his leadership, LSN will expand its focus from early-stage life science funding – covering seed, Series A, and Series B – to a comprehensive approach spanning all stages from seed to exit.

Sougato brings extensive experience in partnering conferences, data platforms, and the biopharma industry. Previously, he served as General Manager of the events and data business at Inpart, following successful exits from two biopharma data-focused startups. He has held senior roles in partnering and marketing at BIO and Clarivate and provided consulting expertise to organizations such as J&J, Merck, GSK, Sanofi, Siemens Medical, and IQVIA.

With Sougato leading these core business areas, Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of LSN, will focus on launching LSN Labs, a global accelerator platform designed to help life science companies succeed in their Global Partnering Campaigns. LSN Labs aims to address the staggering 95% failure rate of life science startups within their first five years. Ford envisions LSN Labs as a transformative solution, offering enhanced entrepreneurial education, superior partner matching, and an AI-driven agent to help CEOs map and navigate the global partnering landscape from seed to exit.

Beyond SBIRs: Non-Dilutive Funding Strategies to Advance Your Pipeline and Bottom-Line 

7 Jan

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Are you seeking innovative ways to fund your biotech venture without giving away equity or navigating lengthy grant submissions? The Beyond SBIRs: Non-Dilutive Funding Strategies to Advance Your Pipeline and Bottom-Line panel at RESI JPM offers an engaging exploration of non-dilutive funding opportunities through partnerships with federal agencies and labs.

This interactive panel, hosted by the National Institute of Health, will explore how federal labs provide indirect or in-kind support, investing resources, expertise, and capabilities to advance your R&D efforts. The discussion will showcase how companies across various development stages can benefit, from achieving key value inflection points to minimizing financial burn rates through strategic partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of these partnerships and learn how to optimize their impact on company growth.

Each year, agencies like the NIH partner with healthcare companies globally, offering essential resources to advance technology development and commercialization. This panel will provide valuable perspectives on strategy, lessons learned, and best practices for leveraging these opportunities effectively.

Meet the Panelists:


Michael Salgaller
Supervisor Specialist
NIH Technology Transfer Office
(Moderator)
Deborah Birx
Senior Fellow
George W. Bush Institute, and Former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Vlad Popov
CIO, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research & Regional Director
Federal Lab Consortium

Jill Hopkins
CMO and President of R&D
Aura Biosciences
Erica Stone
VP Oncology
Gigagen
Xiaoxi (Sophie) Wei, PhD
CEO & Co-Founder
X-Therma Inc.

Why Attend?

This session provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with experts who have successfully navigated non-dilutive funding pathways. Whether you’re exploring partnerships with federal labs or seeking to enhance your funding strategy, this panel will equip you with the tools and insights needed to drive your pipeline forward.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and federal representatives at RESI JPM 2025!

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Life Science Nation (LSN) announces the RESI JPM Program Guide, celebrating the 50th RESI conference at its new location—the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. 

31 Dec

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

DF-News-09142022RESI JPM 2025 will feature 7 focused investor panels, spotlighting Corporate VC, Oncology Innovation, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Medical Devices, Big Pharma, and Longevity Investments. Attendees can connect with leading investors, CEOs, and licensing partners to align their stage of development and products with the right opportunities.

RESI JPM will also host 56 companies in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, where entrepreneurs present cutting-edge technologies to investor judges, offering a front-row seat to the future of life sciences innovation. Complementing the panels and pitch sessions, 8 workshops will provide actionable strategies tailored to fundraising and development in the life science arena.

RESI-JPM-2025-Program-Guide_Cover

As the first RESI conference of 2025, RESI JPM delivers unparalleled networking and partnering opportunities during a pivotal week for the global life sciences community. Join us to celebrate this landmark event and take your fundraising efforts to the next level. Registration is open, don’t miss out!
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