BIO from the BAYOU: Build Your Biotech Network with Key Opinion Leaders and Investors

James Zanewicz
  • 5.0 (11)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 123: Modernizing Tech Transfer with Data, AI, and Strategy in a Changing Innovation Landscape

    What does it really take to modernize a tech transfer office and build innovation ecosystems that thrive outside the traditional coastal hubs? In this episode, host Patrick Reed, RTTP, is joined by Robert Lowe, PhD, CEO of TechPipeline, for a timely conversation on how tech transfer offices can evolve in a rapidly changing innovation landscape. From data-driven decision-making and intentional use of AI to workforce development and ecosystem-building beyond the coasts, this episode offers practical insights for university and industry engagement leaders navigating what comes next. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “perfect is the enemy of good” when modernizing tech transfer systems, and how using the right mix of tools can improve outcomes. How tech transfer offices can leverage AI as a force multiplier while maintaining strong foundational skills. What smaller and mid-sized cities can do to build collaborative, high-impact tech transfer and startup ecosystems. Tune in to learn how a data-informed approach to tools, training, and ecosystem strategy can help tech transfer offices accelerate innovation and deliver greater impact wherever they’re located. Links: Connect with Robert Lowe, PhD, and check out TechPipeline. Connect with Patrick Reed, RTTP, and learn about IPX at Auburn University. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  2. FEB 4

    Episode 122: Investing Where It Matters Most in Biotech – Venture Capital and the Future of Pediatric Care

    How do you build a venture strategy that both delivers strong returns and meaningfully improves the lives of children and families? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Andrew Meadow, MBA, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Health Innovation Capital, for a thoughtful conversation about investing in pediatric and maternal health. Andrew shares the personal and professional journey that led him to focus his career on underserved pediatric populations, and why children are not just “small adults” when it comes to innovation, clinical development, and investment strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why pediatric and maternal health remain some of the most underfunded (and high impact) areas in biotech. How venture funds can balance financial returns with real-world improvements in access, affordability, and quality of care. What entrepreneurs need to know to engage pediatric-focused investors and stand out in a competitive funding environment. Tune in to hear how purpose-driven venture capital can change the trajectory of healthcare innovation and why investing in children may be one of the most important bets biotech can make. Links: Connect with Andrew Meadow, MBA, and check out Health Innovation Capital. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  3. JAN 28

    Episode 121: Using AI to Bridge the Translational Gap in Biotech and Drug Development

    How can biotech teams move faster (and smarter) from preclinical research to human trials without sacrificing safety or rigor? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Todd Kilbaugh, MD, Founder of Pharos Biolabs and a physician-scientist specializing in anesthesiology, critical care, and pediatrics. Todd shares his journey from clinical medicine to biotech entrepreneurship and unpacks one of the industry’s toughest challenges: why so many promising therapies fail to translate from animal models to humans. Together, they explore how AI, advanced modeling, organoids, and more thoughtful use of non-human primates could reshape preclinical development and reduce costly failures. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the translational gap between animal models and humans remains one of biotech’s biggest bottlenecks, and how AI can help close it. How biomarkers, mathematical modeling, and digital twins can improve trial design long before a therapy reaches the clinic. What the future of preclinical development could look like with smarter integration of AI, organoids, and non-human primate studies. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on AI-enabled science, better trial prediction, and how biotech can rethink the path from discovery to patients. Links: Connect with Todd Kilbaugh, MD. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Doug Wallace, PhD. Learn more about TBI. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  4. JAN 21

    Episode 120: How to Build Smart Early-Stage Biotech Partnerships That Actually Work

    Trying to form early biotech partnerships but unsure when to say yes, when to push back, or when to walk away? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, welcomes back Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, returning to the show as Chief Business Officer at Signify Bio. Drawing from her experience on both sides of the table (as a pharma dealmaker and now an early-stage biotech leader) Renee shares hard-earned insights on how founders can approach partnerships strategically without losing focus, time, or control of their company’s story. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to evaluate early partnership opportunities and decide which ones are worth your limited time, capital, and attention. Why focus is the most valuable currency for early-stage biotech, especially for platform companies facing constant “what else could this do?” questions. Practical guidance on MTAs, pilot studies, and proof-of-concept work, including how to structure collaborations so they move you closer to a real deal—not just more experiments. Whether you’re navigating your first pharma conversation or refining how you partner as a growing biotech company, this episode offers clear, experience-driven advice to help you build partnerships that accelerate progress instead of distracting from it. Links: Connect with Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, and check out Signify Bio. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out our previous episode with Renee. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    22 min

  5. JAN 14

    Episode 119: 2026 Biotech Market Update – What Investors Are Watching Right Now

    What’s really happening in biotech right now, and where should innovators and investors be paying attention? In this market update episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by guest host Travis Manasco, MD, for a candid conversation on the current state of biotech investing. Together, they unpack where momentum is building, where enthusiasm is cooling, and how founders, scientists, and investors should think strategically as the market finds its footing. From GLP-1s and AI to women’s health and preclinical challenges, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at today’s biotech landscape—just in time for JPM. In this episode, you’ll learn: Which biotech sectors are heating up and why areas like obesity, AI-enabled clinical trials, and women’s health are drawing renewed interest Why early-stage and preclinical innovation remains a tough funding environment, despite long-term opportunity How market signals like acquisitions and JPM dynamics may shape biotech strategy in the year ahead Tune in for an honest, insightful market conversation that cuts through the hype and helps you think more clearly about where biotech is headed next. Links: Connect with Travis Manasco, MD, and check out Solas BioVentures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026. Check out our previous episode with Travis on AI in Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  6. JAN 7

    Episode 118: The #1 Survival Guide to the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference for Biotech Leaders

    Want to come back from JP Morgan with more than just a stack of business cards? In this timely episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Chris Yochim, a longtime JP Morgan Healthcare Conference insider. With more than three decades of experience leading partnering strategy at AstraZeneca and Zeneca, Chris shares a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most intense healthcare meeting really works—and how to prepare for it effectively. As JP Morgan approaches, Elaine and Chris break down what “success” looks like for different audiences, from academic tech transfer and startups to investors and large pharma. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to define “winning” at JP Morgan based on your role—academic, startup, investor, or industry leader. Why preparation, flexibility, and memorable first impressions matter more than a full calendar of meetings. Practical tips for pitching, following up, and building long-term relationships before, during, and after the conference. Whether this is your first JP Morgan or your tenth, this episode offers actionable advice to help you navigate the chaos, build meaningful connections, and turn conversations into real momentum. Links: Check out the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026. Connect with Chris Yochim and check out NIIMBL and AstraZeneca. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out EBD Group, RESI, and the Guide to JPM'26 app. Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP and Dennis Purcell, MBA. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    33 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Episode 117: How Universities Can Lead Biotech Innovation with Startup Mentorship and Venture Funding

    How can universities become powerful engines of innovation, startups, and economic growth—especially in a challenging funding environment? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kimberly Gramm, PhD, MBA, the David & Marion Mussafer Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at the Tulane Innovation Institute and Managing Director of Tulane Ventures. Kimberly shares how Tulane is building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem—from early-stage programming and mentorship to venture funding—designed to help researchers, students, and founders translate discovery into real-world impact. Together, they explore what it takes to change institutional culture, scale innovation thoughtfully, and position universities as active investors in the future of biotech and healthcare. In this episode, you’ll learn: How universities can support founders and technologies across every stage of the innovation journey, not just at commercialization. Why mentorship, alumni engagement, and listening to stakeholders are critical to building sustainable innovation programs. How strategic venture funds and proof-of-concept investments can accelerate biotech spinouts and regional economic growth. Whether you’re a researcher, founder, or innovation leader, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how universities can step up, take risks, and help innovation thrive—even in uncertain times. Links: Connect with Kimberly Gramm, PhD, MBA, and check out Tulane Innovation Institute and Tulane Ventures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out our previous episode with Kimberly. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  8. 12/10/2025

    Episode 116: How Alumni-Powered Venture Funds Can Transform Regional Biotech Innovation

    What if your alumni network could help fuel the next generation of biotech startups? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Evan Nicoll, MBA, and Patrick Hernandez of 1834 Ventures, a new investment fund created by Tulane alumni, for founders with Tulane DNA. They share how their alumni-powered model is helping to close regional funding gaps, strengthen emerging biotech ecosystems, and support founders through trust-driven, relationship-first investing. From navigating today’s tough fundraising climate to understanding what really catches an investor’s eye, this conversation offers practical lessons for founders, universities, and anyone building innovation communities. In this episode, you’ll learn: How alumni networks can become powerful engines for venture funding, mentorship, and deal flow. What investors are really looking for in early biotech pitches, and why trust, clarity, and curiosity matter more than perfection. Why founders should embrace relationship-building over rapid-fire pitching, and how regional markets like Louisiana can attract coastal investors. Tune in to discover how connection-driven investing is helping shape the next chapter of biotech growth across the Gulf South — and how you can be part of it. Links: Connect with Evan Nicoll, MBA, and Patrick Hernandez, and check out 1834 Ventures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out Cadenza Bio and the book The Speed of Trust. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

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Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

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