Faculty Innovation Pitch

The Faculty Innovation Pitch provides faculty with the opportunity to showcase the translational potential of their groundbreaking research. It is held in Spring and Fall quarters, and is hosted by the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences in partnership with the Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Serving as a gateway to the Bridging Biomedical Breakthroughs (BBB) Summit, this event invites faculty to pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of distinguished investors, CEOs and industry leaders. These experts offer valuable feedback to support faculty in refining their approach, positioning their research for future funding, development, and real-world application.

Selected faculty from this event advance to present their research at the BBB Summit, where they are introduced to a broader audience of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and life sciences leaders. The faculty pitch plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry. By connecting researchers with external partners, the event helps accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to impactful solutions in health, sustainability and technology.

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Hosted by: School of Biological Sciences, in partnership with School of Medicine and Office of Innovation and Commercialization

Theme: Innovations in rare disease and pediatrics

Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: Kavli Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Tata Hall, UC San Diego campus

Who can attend: Undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff, alumni, life sciences industry professionals, and investors

Faculty Presenters

Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Grossfeld Lab

Dr. Paul Grossfeld’s lab investigates the genetic causes of congenital heart defects, particularly hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In ETS1 knockout mice displaying a non-compaction phenotype due to reduced myocyte proliferation, his team identified three novel factors that promote cardiomyocyte growth. These factors not only improve non-compaction in mice but may also stimulate regeneration in adult hearts following myocardial infarction. This research reveals promising molecular targets for heart repair and regeneration, offering hope for therapeutic interventions across pediatric and adult cardiac conditions.

Uri Manor, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences

Manor Lab

Dr. Uri Manor leads research into how organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes organize within cells and how disruptions lead to disease. Focusing on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), his lab discovered that MFN2 mutations impair mitochondrial fusion and lysosomal trafficking, disrupting axonal cargo delivery. Using high-resolution live imaging, proteomics, and AI analysis in patient-derived neurons and a novel rat model, the lab explores disease mechanisms and tests treatments such as GTPase agonists and antisense oligonucleotides. The goal is to correct cellular dysfunctions and develop precision therapies for inherited neuropathies and other organelle-related diseases.

Matthew Shtrahman, M.D., PhD

Assistant Professor, Neurosciences, School of Medicine

Shtrahman Lab

Dr. Matthew Shtrahman’s lab explores AAV (adeno-associated virus) biology and its application in gene therapy. His research focuses on optimizing AAV vector design, improving gene delivery efficiency, and reducing immune responses. By studying host-virus interactions at a mechanistic level, the lab aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of AAV-based therapeutics for genetic and acquired diseases. The goal is to expand the potential of gene therapy through novel engineering approaches, making it a viable treatment for a broader range of patients and conditions.

Judges

Robert Fremeau, PhD

Founder/CEO/CSO, BrainStorm Therapeutics, Inc.

Dr. Frameau is the Founder, CEO, and CSO of BrainStorm Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing transformative therapies for neurological and rare diseases. With a background in neuroscience and molecular biology, Robert has led innovative research in cellular and gene therapy approaches targeting unmet medical needs. His experience includes developing platforms that harness cellular mechanisms for therapeutic delivery, aligning closely with the needs of rare disease treatment. Under his leadership, BrainStorm is advancing cutting-edge solutions that integrate his deep expertise in neurobiology with emerging technologies in gene and cell therapy to drive meaningful clinical impact.

Jay Lichter, PhD

Managing Partner, Avalon BioVentures

Dr. Lichter is a seasoned life sciences executive, investor, and entrepreneur with a strong track record in advancing innovative therapies for rare diseases. As Managing Partner at Avalon Ventures, he has co-founded and invested in numerous biotech companies, including RQx Pharmaceuticals and Sitari Pharmaceuticals, focusing on novel treatments for unmet medical needs. His leadership has been instrumental in translating cutting-edge science into clinical applications, particularly in the realm of genetic and rare disorders. With a Ph.D. in pharmacology and over two decades of experience, Lichter's expertise aligns closely with the development of cell and gene therapies, driving forward transformative solutions for patients with rare diseases.