Life Sciences Workshop Series

In an effort to promote translational research and commercialization of cutting edge scientific discoveries within Harvard and the broader life sciences community in the Boston area, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) and Harvard Innovation Lab (i-lab) are collaborating to put forward a series of workshops during the 2012-2013 academic year.  The workshops focus on key issues current and future entrepreneurs face and aim to provide broad perspectives as well as practical guidance.  The HSCI/i-lab Series will also offer attendees an opportunity to learn about the translational and business building resources at HSCI and at the i-lab, as well as an opportunity to network with peers and industry veterans.

Starting a Life Sciences Company with Carmichael Roberts

In this workshop, Carmichael will talk about the art of starting and building a life science company. We will cover a broad set of topics including being a founder, the power of intellectual property, securing early financing, importance of corporate partnerships and finding an exit strategy.

Carmichael Roberts started his career as a technologist. He moved into business "developing applications for his research interests" and subsequently to entrepreneurship and venture capitalism, exploring ways to finance those businesses. Carmichael invests predominantly in companies that make products using chemistry, materials science and/or materials engineering, with a primary focus on early stage ventures. "As an entrepreneur, you pick areas where there's a clear unmet need and therefore a large opportunity," he says. "And, by definition, if you dare to step into that area, there will be a significant risk and competition” but for the most part there are few incumbents with a clever, practical solution.

We will be checking all attendee registrations at the door this year. Please bring a printed or smartphone copy of your EventBrite registration and Harvard student ID if you register as a Harvard student.  Attendance will be limited to registered guests and tickets will not be available at the door.

Note: Harvard Shuttles have a stop directly across from the i-lab, and you can track the shuttles online here: http://harvard.transloc.com/ If you are driving, please park in the i-lab's lot (entrance on Western Avenue, directions and payment information are here: http://i-lab.harvard.edu/parking).