Explore life sciences entrepreneurship.
October 2, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tickets $50, Students $35 | MI-HQ Ypsilanti
Presented by Ann Arbor SPARK.
From lab bench to market launch, this event explores the full spectrum of life sciences entrepreneurship. Connect with researchers, execs, and investors shaping health tech and bioinnovation in Washtenaw County. Panels and speakers will tackle funding gaps, regulatory challenges, and emerging opportunities. A must-attend for life sciences professionals and innovators.
The Business of Life Sciences 2025 Agenda
Registration Open
9:00 a.m.
Coffee & Networking
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Welcome & Overview
10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
- Mark Smith, (Emcee), President, MiHQ
Path to Commercialization
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Diane Bouis, (Moderator), Acting CEO, Microvascular Health Solutions
- Stephanie Morley, CEO, Vetlen
- David Esposito, CEO, ONL Therapeutics
- David Canter, Past Exec Director NCRC, Sr. Assoc. VP, University of Michigan
This panel brings together seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the path of launching innovative companies and funding transformative solutions.
Panelists will share candid stories of regulatory hurdles, funding gaps, and strategic missteps, along with the lessons and strategies that helped them succeed. Expect practical insights on navigating regulatory pathways, building investor-ready business models, and avoiding common pitfalls in early-stage development.
Keynote
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Kelly Sexton, Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan & Board Chair, Ann Arbor SPARK
Break
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Resources for Life Science Startups
11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
- Loren Townes Jr., (Moderator), Director of Entrepreneurial Services, Ann Arbor SPARK
- Charlie Childs, Co-Founder and CEO, Intero Bio Systems
- Matthew Hymes, Managing Partner, i5 Bio Partners & Co-Founder, A2BioSocial
- James Kim, Associate, Arboretum Ventures
- Brandon McNaughton, Co-Founder & CEO, Akadeum Life Sciences
Our region is rich with resources for life science innovators—but many of the most valuable tools, networks, and programs remain under the radar. This panel brings together experienced entrepreneurs and venture capital leaders to spotlight the full spectrum of local support available to life science companies at every stage of growth. From accelerators and funding opportunities to mentorship and infrastructure, panelists will share their own journeys and highlight both well-known and hidden gems that can help turn big ideas into thriving businesses.
Closing Remarks
12:25 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Business of Life Sciences Speakers
Kelly Sexton
Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships & Economic Impact
Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan
As Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact, Kelly works closely with the Vice President for Research as well as other leaders across the university to provide visionary and strategic leadership of U-M’s innovation, corporate research and technology commercialization activities, including overseeing Innovation Partnerships. In this role, she supports and encourages university-wide programs for intellectual property development, innovation and engagement with business and venture communities in the region, across the nation and around the globe.
Prior to her arrival at U-M in 2018, Kelly was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization and New Ventures at North Carolina State University, where she served as principal investigator for an NSF I-Corps site and co-founded an alumni angel investor network to provide a new source of funding for university startups and spinouts.
Kelly holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from the University of California, San Diego where she was supported by a fellowship from the California Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Kelly completed her postdoctoral studies at Stanford University where she was awarded a fellowship from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Kelly serves as co-chair of the U-M Roundtable on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, on the Board of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, and as Chair of the Ann Arbor SPARK Board of Directors.
Keynote: Kelly Sexton
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
Diane Bouis
CEO
Microvascular Health Solutions
Diane Bouis, Ph.D, MBA, is a vascular scientist turned business leader, currently serving as CEO of Microvascular Health Solutions. Her prior roles include, US Director for MedTech World, hosting global investor conferences and US Director for MedTech Innovator, the largest medtech accelerator in the world. Dr Bouis obtained her PhD at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands working on angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) in cancer and her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan on atherosclerosis in heart attack and stroke.
She transitioned into business with an MBA from University of Michigan and has extensive experience managing startup portfolios through prior roles as Innovation Manager at the University of Michigan’s Innovation Partnerships Startup Incubator and as an innovation consultant with The Inovo Group.
Dr Bouis is a frequent speaker on medtech/ biotech/ health-tech innovation, investment and go to market strategy, incubators and accelerators, mentorship, leadership and growing strong teams.
Besides her global roles, this native of France is a staunch supporter of her chosen Midwest startup home ecosystem and advisor to and investor in Michigan biomedical startups.
Diane Bouis
Microvascular Health Solutions
David Canter
Director, Healthcare Research Initiative at the William Davidson Institute
University of Michigan
After nearly 25 years in pharmaceutical research and leadership at Pfizer as a senior vice president of Global Research and Development, Dr. Canter became director of the Healthcare Research Initiative at the William Davidson Institute, a non-profit research and educational institute at the University of Michigan and then Executive Director of the North Campus Research Complex to develop the University’s strategy to restore this campus to its full potential. Dr Canter is a lecturer at The Ross School of Business and has taught an annual elective class “The Business of Biology” since 2010.
A native of England, Dr. Canter received his undergraduate degree from Cambridge University, and his medical degree from the Liverpool University Medical School. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. After several years with the National Health Service, he joined Warner Lambert/Parke-Davis in 1984. Except for his first two years with the company in England, and three years in Paris in the late 1990s, he has spent his entire career in Ann Arbor.
David Canter
University of Michigan
Charlie Childs
Co-Founder and CEO
Intero Biosystems
Charlie Childs, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of Intero Biosystems, where she is advancing adult stem-cell-derived miniature human organs to improve drug safety and efficacy testing. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan. Charlie is driven by a mission to reduce reliance on animal testing and accelerate the development of safer, more effective therapies for patients in need.
Charlie Childs
Intero Biosystems
David Esposito
CEO
ONL Therapeutics
David is an experienced healthcare executive who has built and scaled multiple companies that resulted in successful exits to strategic buyers.
David is currently the CEO of ONL Therapeutics based in Ann Arbor, MI. ONL Therapeutics is developing therapeutics based on Fas inhibition to protect the vision of patients with retinal disease.
David is the former CEO of Armune BioScience. The Company successfully launched the only non-PSA blood test to improve the detection of prostate cancer. Armune BioScience was sold to Exact Sciences (EXAS) in 2017.
He was President of Phadia US Inc. (allergy and autoimmune diagnostics) and played a pivotal role in the sale of the business to Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) in 2011. David began his career as a sales representative with Merck & Co. Inc. and rose through the ranks of sales, marketing and commercial strategy for the US Division.
David is a combat veteran, led an infantry platoon with the 101st Airborne Division through several combat operations, and was recognized with a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq in 1991. David earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from Syracuse University.
David Esposito
ONL Therapeutics
Matthew Hymes
Managing Partner
i5 BioPartners
Matthew Hymes is a life sciences commercialization strategist with a track record of success in both fast-moving startups and global industry leaders. As Managing Partner at i5 BioPartners, he works with emerging and established companies to build sustainable organizations with strong brand stories, market-ready products, and strategic partnerships that drive growth.
Over the years, Matthew has helped bring groundbreaking tools and technologies to market—whether building the brand of a startup, launching new products for a global brand, or expanding a product’s reach into new markets around the world. He thrives on turning complex science into clear value for customers and loves working alongside teams to make their ideas resonate with the right markets. His career has taken him across the spectrum of life sciences, from synthetic biology and genomics to diagnostics and infectious disease.
A passionate connector, Matthew also founded the A2 BioSocial networking series to strengthen the regional life sciences community. Whether collaborating with researchers, executives, or investors, he is driven by a belief that great science becomes impactful innovation when paired with the right market strategy and partnerships.
Matthew Hymes
i5 BioPartners
James Kim
Associate
Arboretum Ventures
James joined Arboretum in 2024 and is responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities and supporting Arboretum’s portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Arboretum, James was a Senior Consultant in Guidehouse’s Healthcare Strategy & Innovation practice where he supported payor and provider clients across enterprise and line-of-business level initiatives.
James earned his BS in Human Biology, Health and Society from Cornell University.
James Kim
Arboretum Ventures
Brandon McNaughton
CEO and Founder
Akadeum Life Sciences
Brandon is an award-winning entrepreneur, inventor, and scientist driving breakthroughs in emerging technologies. His work spans tech startups, research discoveries, product launches, and venture capital—bridging science and business to deliver real-world impact.
His mission: bring transformative technologies to market. That vision led Akadeum to receive the 2025 Disruptive Technology of the Year at Advanced Therapies Week and to be named the 5th Most Innovative Biotech by Fast Company.
Akadeum has launched multiple products and forged strategic partnerships to pioneer a new cell isolation and nucleic acid extraction technology that uses microbubbles—offering unmatched gentleness and scalability for cell therapy, diagnostics, and research. Customers worldwide are responding.
Before Akadeum, he served multiple roles at the University of Michigan that led to the founding of venture capital-backed Life Magnetics, where he was chief technology officer. He also at was one of the first hires for an early-stage venture fund out of Invest Detroit.
Brandon also has a passion for cultivating the local startup culture. This led him to co-develop a first-of-its-kind entrepreneurship course at the University of Michigan, which is consistently a top-ranked entrepreneurship program.
He received his PhD in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan, completing the degree in record time, and a BS in Physics from California State University Bakersfield. As a former California resident, he now enthusiastically considers Michigan to be the best place to live in the US. As a result, he currently resides in the countryside south of Ann Arbor with his family and wife of over 20 years—who is a nationally-recognized digital marketing thought leader.
Brandon McNaughton
Akadeum Life Sciences
Mark Smith
President
Mi-HQ
Mark Smith is a lifelong resident of Ann Arbor and a serial entrepreneur. He has been involved in multiple medical device startups, developing and patenting novel technology for respiratory gas analysis and human thermal regulation. This work led to participation in notable DARPA-funded programs, including Peak Soldier Performance, 21st Century Soldier, Future Force Warrior and related projects.
Most recently, Mark and his wife, Linda, have focused their energy on running and growing Mi-HQ, a co-working community that supports dozens of companies across various industries, with a strong emphasis on life sciences. Having assisted over 100 companies since Mi-HQ’s launch, Mark believes in the power of community to accelerate growth and improve the success rates of early-stage companies. Southeast Michigan and the greater Ann Arbor area are home to a robust ecosystem. Mark, Linda, and Mi-HQ are committed to continued collaboration and growth in the vital field of life sciences in our region.
Mark Smith
MiHQ
Stephanie Morley
President
Vetlen
Dr. Stephanie Morley is a 1997 graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at MSU and 2003 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU. Her career began with the frequently asked question, “How did you transition from Hospitality Business to Veterinary Medicine?” and was a definite foreshadowing of her unique career path.
Over the course of her 20+ year career, Stephanie established a reputation as a transformational leader excelling at strategic development and execution in both the private and public sectors. She practiced small animal medicine in New Mexico and Michigan before transitioning into laboratory animal medicine. Her business acumen led her into management at the largest single site contract research organization in the world, ultimately leaving as Vice President of Operations at MPI Research (now a Charles River company). She transitioned to academia working at the University of Michigan Medical School as Associate Director of Business Development for Fast Forward Medical Innovation. With the exposure to academic IP commercialization she jumped at the chance to become a co-founder of Zomedica in 2015. She leveraged this experience for the veterinary sector by identifying new technologies that could advance veterinary practice. Zomedica listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture Exchange in 2016 and cross-listed onto the NYSE American in 2017. Upon launch of Zomedica’s first product in 2021 Dr. Morley took the opportunity for her latest career pivot and began working with founders from many sectors on developing strategy and dealing with the stresses of living the entrepreneurial life. After meeting the team at Purgo Scientific, a spinout from the University of Utah, Dr. Morley jumped at the opportunity to launch their device into the veterinary market. She is currently the Vice Chair for the Board of Purgo Scientific and President of Vetlen working to establish the Vetlen Pouch as the new standard in local drug delivery.
Stephanie Morley
Vetlen
Loren Townes Jr.
Director, Entrepreneurial Services – SPARK Central
Ann Arbor SPARK
Loren has nearly a decade of experience in higher education, specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, business strategy, design thinking, and corporate & community engagement. He has developed and distributed valuable programs and resources to business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, faculty, students, and staff, driving growth, creativity, and economic mobility.
Currently, Loren is the director of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK, focusing on accelerating tech startups and early-stage companies. He previously led the Impact Studio Incubator at the Michigan-Ross School, coaching student entrepreneurs in social impact ventures. Loren also teaches at the Ross School of Business, educating students on business practices and leadership.
Loren operates a public speaking company focused on resilience through keynotes and workshops. He holds a BSBA and an MBA from Wayne State University – Mike Ilitch School of Business. Loren actively contributes to the local business community, serving on the Board of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and chairing the membership and marketing committee.
Inspired by Helen Keller’s words, “A bend in the road is not the end of the road…unless you fail to make the turn,” Loren enjoys cigars and boxing in his leisure time.
Loren Townes Jr.
Ann Arbor SPARK
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