INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP SERIES:
MICROFLUIDICS AND BUSINESS
Spinning out a company from an academic lab is exciting – but it’s also uniquely challenging. Join us as we explore the hard lessons learned from those who’ve done it.
This session features Tony Cass (Imperial College London), Mark Gilligan (Blacksheep Power), and Alex Shalek (MIT) – each bringing a different perspective on the spin-out journey. From launching commercial biosensors, to backing early ventures, to founding biotech companies out of a research lab, they’ve seen it from all sides.
We’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what often gets missed in the transition from lab to launch.
Whether you’re starting your first spin-out or supporting someone who is, this session offers practical insights grounded in real experience.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Mark Gilligan
Founder, CEO – Blacksheep Power
Mark Gilligan is the founder and CEO of Blacksheep Power, with over two decades of experience scaling ventures across the microfluidics and life sciences sectors. His expertise lies in transforming academic breakthroughs into viable businesses. In addition to leading innovative startups, Mark is part of the Industrial Advisory Board for the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London, where he helps shape how academic programs align with real-world industry needs. His unique advantage point across both academic and commercial spheres brings sharp insights into what it really takes to make the leap from lab to launch.
Alex K. Shalek, PhD
Director, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science (IMES), MIT
Dr. Alex K. Shalek is the Director of MIT’s Institute for Medical Engineering & Science (IMES) and the J.W. Kieckhefer Professor in IMES and the Department of Chemistry. He also leads the Health Innovation Hub at MIT. His interdisciplinary research combines genomics, chemical biology, and nanotechnology to develop innovative tools for understanding and engineering immune responses in human tissues. Dr. Shalek’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the NIH New Innovator Award, Beckman Young Investigator Award, and the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship. Beyond academia, he is deeply committed to translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications, offering valuable insights into the journey from laboratory research to impactful health solutions.
Tony Cass
Professor Emeritus – Imperial College London
Tony Cass is Professor Emeritus of Analytical Chemistry at Imperial College London and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. A pioneer in biosensors, his work helped lead to the first electronic blood glucose meter. Tony’s current research focuses on nucleic acid aptamers and advanced materials for clinical diagnostics. He has authored over 150 papers and holds multiple patents. Alongside academia, he advises biotech companies while contributing to international scientific boards.
WATCH THE RECORDED SESSION HERE:
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