UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Scott Tenenbaum,a Professor of Nanobioscience at the University at Albany - SUNY. Scott is also CEO of sxRNA Technologies, Inc., a SUNY spinout company that has engineered first-of-its-kind, RNA nanoswitches that enable targeted RNA therapies, unlocking a future of safer, more effective treatments. Scott shares his journey as an RNA biologist and academic entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of academia's relationship with industry, the complexities of the human genome, and the commercial applications of RNA nanoswitches. Scott also highlights the challenges of being a faculty entrepreneur, the resources available for academic startups, and offers valuable advice for researchers looking to commercialize their discoveries.

To learn more about Scott, his research, and sxRNA Technologies, check out the links below.

- https://www.albany.edu/nanoscale-science-engineering/faculty/scott-tenenbaum

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttenenbaum/

- https://www.sxrna.com/

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this audio series, host Dina Uzri introduces the recently released University of Rochester resource "UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs". The guide aims to demystify the startup process and equip academic researchers with basic knowledge to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently.

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzlepodcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Silvia García Codony, Assistant Vice President of New York Ventures, about her career path into venture capital and the mission of NY Ventures to expand access to funding across the state. Silvia discusses how her diverse background in mathematics and life sciences informs her investment approach, offers insights into the startup evaluation process, and highlights promising sectors like life sciences and climate tech. She also reflects on portfolio success stories, the strength of New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and shares advice for academic researchers stepping into the world of entrepreneurship.

To learn more about Silvia and NY Ventures, check out thelinks below.

·        Silvia Garcia Codony | LinkedIn

·        https://esd.ny.gov/venture-capital

·        https://esd.ny.gov/new-york-state-innovation-venture-capital-fund

·     Email New York Ventures at: [email protected]

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester 

In this audio series, host Dina Uzri introduces the recently released University of Rochester resource "UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs". The guide aims to demystify the startup process and equip academic researchers with basic knowledge to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently.Startup Guide - UR Ventures

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri interviews Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of BioSpherix, who shares his fascinating career journey from political science to biotech leadership. Ahmed discusses his leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous learning, and the innovative technology at BioSpherix that aims to democratize healthcare. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration, communication, and mentorship in entrepreneurship, while also providing insights into the future of cell and tissue culture technology.

To learn more about Ahmed and BioSpherix, check out the links below.

·        (1) Syed Ahmed Mustafa |LinkedIn

·        Cytocentric® environments for optimal cell care | BioSpherix

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Amy Gurske, Founder and CEO of sayhii, a health tech startup focused on enhancing communication and engagement within organizations. Amy shares her unique journey from engineering to health tech, the lessons learned from her corporate experiences, and the power of data in understanding human performance and motivations. She discusses the “roots” of sayhii and how the platform fosters meaningful conversations in the workplace, ultimately boosting employee wellbeing and success across the organization. Amy also offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in tech, emphasizing the importance of networking and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.

To learn more about Amy and SayHii, check out the links below:

·        ✨Amy Gurske | LinkedIn

·        sayhii

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

To learn more about Tony and Safe Side Prevention, check out the links below.

(2) Tony Pisani | LinkedIn

US Website: https://safesideprevention.com/

AUS Website: https://safesideprevention.com.au/

Podcast: SafeSide Prevention | Never the Same

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology DevelopmentProgram Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Eric Simanis and Mark Yde about Integrative Venture Engineering (IVE), a methodology developed to create profitable ventures through a systems engineering approach. Erik and Mark discuss the importance of designing a profitable business architecture for new ventures from day one, especially for those creating new markets. They also walk through the limitations of traditional methodologies like Lean Startup for new-to-world products. Erik and Mark share how their experiences led to the creation of Half-Solved and the Market Creators Lab, both aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with better tools, training, and frameworks. They emphasize the need for a new commercial readiness model and the importance of making their methodology accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.

To learn more about Erik, Mark, Integrative Venture Engineering, Half-Solved, and the Market Creators Lab, check out the links below.

·        Erik Simanis | LinkedIn

·        Mark (Eee-Dee) Yde |LinkedIn

·        Half-Solved:Experts in market creation

·        Market Creator's Lab

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Chris Strohsahl, President and CEO of Drummond Scientific. Chris shares his journey from studying biophysics to founding Lighthouse Biosciences, joining Drummond Scientific, and eventually becoming the firm’s CEO. He discusses the serendipitous nature of his career, the challenges of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, and the innovative strategies he implemented at Drummond to foster growth and collaboration with startups. Chris emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and getting feedback early and often. He also highlights the value of understanding the manufacturing landscape in the diagnostics and medical device industries.

To learn more about Chris Strohsahl and Drummond Scientific, check out the links below.

Christopher Strohsahl | LinkedIn

Life Science Custom Manufacturing Solutions Drummond Scientific

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Charlotte Hamilton, Co-Founder and CEO of TAF Carbon, about her extensive experience in hard tech and clean energy innovation. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple startups, Charlotte shares what it takes to bring deep-tech solutions to market, the hurdles of fundraising in the space, and how regulatory policies influence the future of new technologies. She highlights the need for critical evaluation of technologies and the persistence and grit required to succeed as an entrepreneur. 

To learn more about Charlotte Hamilton and TAF Carbon, check out the links below.

(2) Charlotte Hamilton | LinkedIn

TAF Carbon www.tafcarbon.com

Conamix pivot: https://www.bestmag.co.uk/understanding-why-lithium-sulfur-batteries-fail/

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester