On this episode of IBTB, Rene Hubert (Director of Early Career Talent at Amgen) breaks down the moves that actually matter early on. Finding the right mentors, getting clear on your goals before the industry gets loud, and making internships work harder for you. 25 years in biotech, distilled into a conversation for anyone just getting started.

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 conversation, Hriday Gondalia interviews Atul Dubey, who discusses the role of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) in ensuring drug quality and safety. He explains the history of USP, the importance of continuous manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry, and the advantages it offers over traditional batch manufacturing. Atul also shares insights on balancing innovation with compliance, his career journey from technical roles to business leadership, and advice for students aspiring to enter the pharmaceutical manufacturing field. The discussion touches on recruitment practices, the future of manufacturing with AI, and the importance of democratizing knowledge in the industry.

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 in this inspiring episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Erika von Euw, a VP in biotech and translational research. From her early days in a small town in Argentina to her pivotal role in oncology, Dr. Erika shares her passion for helping patients and her path through academia and industry. Discover the challenges and triumphs of translational research, the importance of mentorship, and the power of community in shaping a successful career. Tune in to learn how Dr. Erika's dedication to oncology is making a real impact in the world of science and medicine.

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.

This short It’s Bigger Than Biotech explainer breaks down the key insights from our episode with Dr. Hovhannes (Hovik), Director at USC’s Mann School of Pharmacy. In just a few minutes, learn how he navigated career moves from big pharma to academia, the evolving world of drug development, and the core skills students and professionals need to thrive. This recap is perfect for anyone on the go who wants a quick yet valuable summary of Dr. Hovik’s journey and advice.

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.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Llewellyn Cox, Executive Director of Corporate Relations for Life Science Innovations at USC, to explore a side of biotech that students and early-career professionals rarely hear about: the business of academic innovation.With experience founding biotech incubators, advising startups, and now building partnerships between USC and industry, Llewellyn shares how universities are no longer just research institutions—they’re becoming active drivers of biotech growth. We dive into the evolving role of academia as a strategic player in funding, spinouts, and deal flow, and what that means for the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.We cover:How academic research gets translated into real biotech companiesWhat skills students need to thrive in innovation-focused rolesWhy storytelling, relationship-building, and business literacy matterThe financial and cultural dynamics of bridging academia and industryWhy impact-driven careers often begin outside your job descriptionWhether you're a student exploring your future or a scientist thinking about what's next, this conversation offers practical, behind-the-scenes insight into how biotech careers are being shaped by university ecosystems.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and learn how to think beyond the lab.

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.