Gauri Nair, Senior Director Business Development, AbCellera (Moderator)
Gauri R. Nair, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Business Development at AbCellera, where she leads strategic partnerships that drive innovation in the biotech industry. With over a decade of experience in pharmaceutical industry and university technology transfer, she excels in fostering high-impact alliances and managing technology transactions. Gauri combines deep scientific insight with business acumen to advance AbCellera’s mission of delivering breakthrough biologics. Known for her adeptness in program management and her ability to build foundational relationships, she is a passionate advocate for the life sciences ecosystem, driving external research partnerships that revolutionize healthcare.

Fabrizio Conicella, Head COI&C, Center of Open Innovation & Competence, Chiesi
Fabrizio is today Vice-president Center of Open Innovation & Competence Chiesi Farmaceutici. Fabrizio covered in the past a CEO position in Life Science District, a Life Science Venture builder and he was General manager of OpenZone and Zcube (Zambon Pharma Group) and general manager of Bioindustry Park Silvano Fumero. Over the years he has also gained experience in defining general management, in developing innovation strategies and management, in developing innovative business model and growth and go-to-market strategies, in the implementation of business development activities and in evaluating projects, startups and business plans. He is also university and MBA professor in Innovation management at Bologna Business school.

Neel Desai, Executive Director, Business Development & Licensing, Biogen
Neel Desai is an Executive Director in the Business Development group and has been with Biogen for over 6 years. During his time at the company, he has worked on multiple transactions supporting the neurodegeneration, immunology, and multiple sclerosis development units. Prior to joining Biogen, Neel held a variety of roles at Piramal Life Sciences, MedImmune / AstraZeneca, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He also holds an MBA and a Masters degree in the biosciences.

Asli Sahin, Director, Search & Evaluation, Neuroscience, AbbVie
Asli is a Director at AbbVie’s Search and Evaluation, covering neuroscience investments, collaborations, and M&A. Molecular Neuroscientist by training with a PhD at Brown University and postdoctoral work at MGH/Harvard, followed by the transition to Allergan’s External Science and Innovation Team and Abbvie Strategy Leadership Program. Asli’s search and evaluation efforts focus on investigating strategic opportunities for in-licensing early- and late-stage clinical assets, co-promotion/co-marketing partnerships, and acquisitions in diverse disease areas with a focus on CNS disorders. Asli works from AbbVie’s Kendall Square Office.

Fiona Mack, Vice President, Head Co.Lab Cambridge US, Bayer
Fiona Mack is currently Vice President, Head of Bayer Co.Lab Cambridge, US, which is a part of the Business Development & Licensing function. In this role, she is building a life science incubator to accelerate innovations within the fields of cell and gene therapy, oncology, immunology, cardiovascular medicine, and digital health. Prior to joining Bayer, Fiona was Head of JLABS@TMC, and has held senior leadership positions at Ipsen, Roche, and Pfizer. Fiona earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree in Biology from Cornell University. Her innovative work has been published in high impact journals and she also has several granted patents. Fiona currently serves as a Board member for NEHI, KSA and GABC. 

Joshi Venugopal, Head of Region Europe, Novartis Gene Therapy & Rare Diseases, Senior VP, Novartis
Joshi Venugopal is the Head of Region Europe, Gene Therapy & Rare Diseases at Novartis, where he leads the successful launch of industry-leading gene therapies, driving over $1 billion in annual revenues. With a diverse background spanning R&D, early pipeline development, and in-market commercialization, he has managed P&L responsibilities and large teams across various cultural settings. Previously, as Global Head of New Products, Joshi played a pivotal role in shaping a $60 billion early pipeline and spearheaded strategic initiatives during Novartis’ 2022 pivot. His experience includes high-level engagement with C-suite and board members, underpinned by his tenure as Chief of Staff to Novartis’ Chairman.