In this episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, we sit down with two powerhouse leaders advancing the life sciences movement in Atlanta: Dr. Steven Goudy, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Emory University and founder/CEO of Oridivus, and Ashley Cornelison, Executive Director of Portal Innovations Atlanta and a longtime champion of biotech startups in the Southeast.

Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities of building biotech companies from academic and clinical environments. Dr. Goudy shares his journey from surgeon to entrepreneur, detailing how his NIH-funded research led to Oridivus—an Atlanta-based startup developing a first-in-class therapy for oral wound healing. Ashley offers a deep dive into her time with the Georgia Research Alliance and how that experience informs her current work supporting early-stage companies through venture development and infrastructure at Portal.

The conversation also highlights the Innovation Certificate Program, a joint initiative between Emory and Portal designed to equip clinicians and researchers with the tools to bring ideas to market. With stories of resilience, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, this episode paints a vivid picture of a region on the rise—powered by talent, mission-driven startups, and a growing network of support.