Building Teams That Advance Breakthrough Science

Breakthrough science is only the beginning. This panel will explore how strong founding teams help translate promising life sciences research into venture-backable companies—and why the people behind an innovation are critical to attracting early-stage investment. Hear practical perspectives from experienced founders and investors on what makes a team investable, how researchers can build complementary commercial capabilities, and the role of co-founders, advisors, and industry partners in advancing a venture. This session is designed for researchers, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, life sciences founders, investors, and commercialization professionals interested in building and supporting successful research-driven ventures. UCeed is one of Canada’s most active pre-seed investors in health and life sciences, supporting researchers and founders at the earliest stages of venture creation. Panelists: Dr. Jehangir Appoo, MD (Founding Partner, AioT Health VC Fund) Dr. Pere Santamaria, MD, Ph.D (CSO & Founder of Parvus Therapeutics Inc.) Jord Cowan (VP Operations, Parvus Therapeutics Inc.) Dr. John H. Wong, MD (Co-founder & CEO of Fluid Biomed Inc., Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at UCalgary) Moderated By: Pete Santosham (Executive Director, UCeed)