NC State Entrepreneurs Emphasize Role of University Support at 2017 CED Life Science Conference

On the first day of the two-day 2017 CED Life Science Conference, four entrepreneurs with roots at North Carolina State University gathered to provide insight to those seeking to launch a life science startup.

As the CEOs discussed the technology and discoveries powering their businesses, one theme emerged: the support and opportunities NC State provided them was key to their success.

The panel’s participants were Brian Dickson, CEO, BioMarck; Paul Garofol, CEO, Locus Biosciences; Matthew Breen, CEO, Sentinel Biomedical; and Anjani Jha, CEO, MAA Laboratories.

For Garofol and his company, the university connection provided access to other technology and research that directly benefited Locus’ work. The university, he added, also provided an environment that allowed his organization to grow as its funding grew.

Other tips for entrepreneurs: Start with a transformational idea. Garofol and others stressed the importance of launching an idea that is “10x better” than any other.

Sentinel Biomedical’s Breen emphasized the need for startups to rely not only on their academic credentials but also on the guidance of business leaders.

The panel was moderated by NC State’s Kelly B. Sexton, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor of the Office of Technology Commercialization and New Ventures.

Find out more about NC State’s Entrepreneurship Initiative.

By Mindy Hamlin, NCBiotech Writer