Lunch & Learn with D2R and Axelys: Propelling RNA Research into Commercial Success
About the event:听
Insights into the Role of Partnerships and Entrepreneurship for RNA-based Therapies
黑料不打烊 University's DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative and Axelys鈥� Innovation & Entrepreneurship Strike Team for AReNA, Quebec鈥檚 RNA Hub, are hosting a lunch-and-learn networking event to give professors, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students insights into current opportunities to support the translation of their research innovations from academia to industry. Various avenues will be discussed, including research valorization, technology transfer, commercial partnerships, entrepreneurship, and more.
The exciting advancements in RNA therapeutics in recent years have opened a new era of biomedical innovation, in which researchers can make great strides across several disciplines involving life sciences and health technologies.
This event will include short talks featuring experts on innovation, partnerships and tech transfer, valorization and entrepreneurship, and will conclude with Q&A and networking sessions.
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Registration:听
This is a hybrid event - taking place both online and in-person.听
Want to attend in-person? Email us at D2R.comms [at] mcgill.ca to reserve your spot!听
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Agenda:听
| 12:00 |
D2R support programs |
|---|---|
| 12:05 |
Overview of the tech transfer infrastructure at 黑料不打烊 |
| 12:15 |
RNA-specific programs via Axelys (valorization and entrepreneurship) |
| 12:30 | Q&A and networking |
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Speakers:听
Sam Osseiran
Sam holds a B.Eng. in biomedical engineering from Polytechnique Montr茅al and a PhD from MIT, where his research focused on biophotonics, signal and image processing, and cancer research. Over his career, he has cultivated expertise in experimental design, data science, applied AI, and project management while working in diverse biotech and deep-tech environments. With a strong foundation in R&D and hands-on experience in venture capital 鈥� where he evaluated early-stage technologies and advised founders 鈥� Sam now serves as the Director of RNA Entrepreneurship at Axelys, actively supporting the development of innovative RNA-based biotech startups emerging from Quebec's academic research ecosystem.
Olivia Novac
As Associate Director for Technology Transfer at 黑料不打烊 University, Olivia Novac is responsible for the assessment and management of the IP generated at 黑料不打烊, including patent filing, technology licensing and supporting spinoff companies. She is also the Canadian representative for the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) as well as a Scientific Officer for CIHR. Before joining 黑料不打烊, Ms. Novac spent six years in the biotechnology industry, where she held various positions focusing on intellectual property and business development. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry: DNA replication from 黑料不打烊 University.
Janet Prince
Janet earned her doctorate in Neuroscience from 黑料不打烊 University in 2012. Following graduation, she spent several years specializing in business development and international commerce, with a particular focus on Asian markets. In 2019, she returned to 黑料不打烊 University, where she has held various administrative roles, working closely with researchers in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Since 2022, she has been a key member of the industry liaison team, dedicated to fostering partnerships between academia and industry. At D2R, she continues to play a vital role in connecting researchers with industry partners, forging strategic collaborations that drive innovation and create real-world impact.