It's Bigger than Biotech

Unlock the strategic secrets behind translating groundbreaking science into real-world impact with Rohit Shukla, founder and CEO of LARTA Institute. Discover how a small biotech startup can leverage over $1 million in federal funding through SBIR grants and avoid common pitfalls in commercialization. Rohit reveals the insider frameworks that have helped over 7,000 companies, including 1,500 bioscience-focused ventures, navigate complex government programs, de-risk their innovation, and accelerate growth. You'll discover:The true potential of non-dilutive federal funding to scale your biotech or healthcare startup—without giving up equity.How to craft a compelling commercialization plan that turns federal grants into tangible market success.The differences between SBIR and venture capital, and why early-stage founders should master both to maximize their chances of success.Rohit’s insight on how AI can revolutionize drug discovery, streamline clinical trials, and uncover hidden patterns in scientific data—while keeping guardrails around ethical concerns.Why understanding the humanistic core of science and innovation is critical for making a lasting societal impact.This episode offers a masterclass in bridging the gap between research and real-world solutions, perfect for entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups eager to harness government resources and scale their impact. Rohit’s decades of experience illuminate the pathway from scientific discovery to broad societal benefit—giving you the knowledge to seize tomorrow’s opportunities today. Why this works:The opening hook highlights a powerful, tangible benefit—unlocking millions in funding—immediately drawing entrepreneurs and scientists looking to scale. The body provides concrete frameworks (SBIR, commercialization) and compelling tactical insights. The emotional thread of societal impact and innovation fosters curiosity and a sense of urgency. It’s designed to resonate with ambitious listeners eager to turn ideas into impactful ventures.

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Dr. Garnica shares his extensive journey through the biopharma industry, highlighting his transition from a purely scientific background to a pivotal role in market access and health economics. He discusses the importance of bridging science and business, particularly in the context of cell and gene therapy, where understanding both the scientific and economic implications is crucial for successful market access. Dr. Garnica emphasizes the need for effective communication and negotiation skills when engaging with payers and regulators, as well as the importance of mentorship in shaping one's career path.Dr. Garnica also delves into the challenges faced by cell and gene therapies in terms of accessibility and affordability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. He advocates for innovative pricing models that reflect the true value of these therapies while ensuring they remain accessible to patients. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the significance of human relationships and communication skills in the evolving landscape of healthcare, encouraging students and professionals to remain curious and adaptable in their careers.

Join us as we dive into the world of biotech with Dan Gober, Executive Director of BioCom California. Discover how to navigate distractions, build thriving ecosystems, and the importance of being a connector in the industry. Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in the Los Angeles biotech scene and how students and professionals alike can contribute to its growth. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories.

Today on It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Suratt, Global Project Head and Clinical Lead at Sanofi, whose journey from academic medicine to industry leadership offers a masterclass in navigating science, purpose, and career reinvention.With a background in Pulmonary and Critical Care, Dr. Suratt spent two decades in academic research before stepping into the biotech world—now leading early development in immunity and inflammation. In this episode, he breaks down what it means to lead complex, milestone-driven programs while staying rooted in scientific curiosity and patient impact.We talk about:The mindset shift from academia to industryWhat it really means to manage global development teamsHow to know when it’s time to pivot careersWhat future physician-scientists need to prepare forAnd how purpose and innovation intersect in today’s pharma landscapeWhether you're a med student, a PhD, or a professional wondering what else your degree can do—this one’s for you.

Not a scientist? No problem. In this episode, Andy Wilson shares how he successfully pivoted into the world of biotech and health innovation—without a background in science.Now VP of Business Development for Health Affairs at USC and former leader of the Alliance for SoCal Innovation, Andy explains how he built a purpose-driven career by connecting capital, universities, and entrepreneurs.Listen in to learn:How to break into biotech from a non-traditional pathWhy ecosystems matter more than résumésHow to find your “why” and build a career around itWhat students get wrong about career planningIf you’re a student or early-career professional wondering how to pivot into biotech without a research background, this episode is your playbook.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dave Whelan, Chief Business Officer at Big4Bio, to talk about how you can do more than just join biotech—you can shape it. With a career spanning Stanford, UCLA Anderson, startups, VC, digital health, and wellness innovation, Dave has helped bring breakthrough health ideas to life and built thriving biotech communities along the way.We dive into:🔹 How to filter opportunities and choose the right career path🔹 Why strategy, connection, and ecosystem building are the real superpowers in biotech🔹 The biggest green flags (and red flags) when evaluating founders, startups, or your next move🔹 What students and early-career professionals need to know about the real biotech landscape🚀 Bonus:As he shared at the end of the episode, Dave is offering It’s Bigger Than Biotech listeners free lifetime access to his value-based healthcare courses! Use the promo codes below by May 29:Introduction to Value-Based Healthcarehttps://www.udemy.com/course/valueintel-intro-premium/?couponCode=IBTB-INTROThe 3 Keys to Improving Quality in Value-Based Healthcarehttps://www.udemy.com/course/quality-in-value-based-healthcare/?couponCode=IBTB-QUALITYAll we ask is that you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to encourage others to check it out too!🎧 Hit play to learn how to think bigger, build smarter, and carve your own space in the future of biotech.

Most people think a science degree locks you into the lab forever.Tae Sung is proof that it doesn’t have to.In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, Tae shares how he went from pipetting at the bench to managing multi-million dollar oncology research projects at Pfizer — one of the biggest biotech companies in the world.We get into:→ Why your technical skills alone won’t get you promoted→ How to transition from scientist to strategy leader→ What project management in biotech actually looks like→ Lessons from working at Janssen, Zentalis, and Pfizer→ The #1 mindset shift students & young scientists need to grow fastIf you’ve ever wondered how to turn a science degree into a leadership role — or how people really move from the lab to the boardroom — this is your playbook.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Lawrence Liberti, a seasoned expert in regulatory science and global drug development, to explore one of the most essential—but often overlooked—career paths in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.Dr. Liberti breaks down:What a career in regulatory affairs actually looks likeHow regulatory science shapes which drugs reach patients—and whenOpportunities for students to get involved in drug approval, policy, and public healthHow to build a career that spans industry, academia, and global health organizationsIf you're a student or early-career professional curious about bringing therapies to market, working with the FDA or international agencies, or making a real impact in global health, this episode is your blueprint.Link to the D.K. Kim International Center for Regulatory ScienceLink to the https://frpath.org/

Episode Description:In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Farhad Parhami, Founder & CEO of MAX BioPharma, to discuss his journey from PhD and MBA student to biotech leader. We explore his work pioneering oxysterol-based therapeutics for MASH, atherosclerosis, and bone regeneration, as well as the challenges of launching a biotech startup.Dr. Parhami shares insights on breaking into biotech, transitioning from academia to industry, and the future of small molecule therapies. Whether you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, we chat with Chloe Duckworth, Co-founder and CEO of Valence Vibrations, a voice AI company at the forefront of neurotechnology and affective computing. Chloe shares her inspiring journey from computational neuroscience at USC to founding a startup that redefines emotional communication. She also discusses her passion for social impact through her non-profit, Hope Hearted, and offers valuable insights on transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an engaging conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of neurotech.

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu welcome Mr. Gilles De Prevoisin, a seasoned professional with a dynamic career spanning consulting and the pharmaceutical industry. From his early days at Deallus, where he honed his expertise in competitive intelligence, to his impactful role at Kite Pharma, Gilles shares his journey, insights, and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover the nuances of transitioning from academia to consulting, the challenges of breaking into pharma, and the future of healthcare roles. Packed with practical tips and personal stories, this episode is a must-listen for students and professionals looking to navigate the evolving biotech landscape.

Dive into this episode as we explore essential jargon from the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, drawn from our personal experiences. This is just the start—we've also compiled a list of glossaries for you, a handy resource we'll reference in future episodes. As we unravel these complex terms together, don't hesitate to ask questions. Join us to demystify the specialized language of Pharma and Biotech.