Nucleate Singapore Pulse
Nucleate Singapore Pulse is the first biotech-centric podcast in Singapore.
We showcase the remarkable journeys undertaken by Singaporean startup founders and insights from ecosystem stakeholders to inspire future bio-entrepreneurs, inform decisions and cross-pollinate ideas to drive innovation.
Simulating Atomic Movement
Loong Wang
QDX
In this episode, Loong Wang shares the journey behind QDX and its mission to transform drug discovery using quantum mechanics. He discusses how QDX addresses complex biological challenges at the atomic level and the pivotal role of quantum chemistry in developing innovative therapeutic solutions. Loong also reflects on his transition from tech to biotech and the future potential of quantum-powered drug discovery.
Fermenting Sustainable Foodtech
Fengru Lin
TurtleTree
In this episode, Fengru Lin recounts the origins of TurtleTree and delves into the company's strategic pivot from cell-based milk to the production of high-value bioactive proteins. She underscores the critical importance of market-driven innovation and TurtleTree’s commitment to addressing the global demand for sustainable, animal-free ingredients. Lin delves into the innovative approaches TurtleTree is employing to reshape the industry and also offers valuable insights into the future of sustainable food technology.
Harnessing the power of antibody therapeutics
Dr. Lisa Ooi
Hummingbird Bioscience
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Ooi dives into the science behind treating oncology with Hummingbird Bioscience's novel and differentiated antibody-based platform technology, and key considerations for advancing potential assets and technologies.
Additionally, she shares some reasons behind the founders' decision to start Hummingbird Bioscience in Singapore, factors behind their successful fundraising rounds, and benefits of active participation in the biotech ecosystem
Protecting Innovations in Biotech
Dr. Adam Gregory
Mewburn Ellis
Dr. Adam Gregory emphasizes the importance of early engagement with patent attorneys to strategize intellectual property protection. He highlights key pitfalls such as weak initial patent filings and premature public disclosures, underscoring the crucial role of timing and strategy in securing robust patents. Dr. Gregory also illustrates how an effective patent strategy has significantly driven the growth and success of Singapore biotech companies.
Finding a cure for hematologic malignancies
Dr. Robert Ang
Vor Bio
In this episode, Dr. Ang highlights key lessons from his career journey from medical school to becoming CEO of Vor Bio. Additionally, he delves into Vor Bio’s innovative strategy to target acute myeloid leukemia, comparing its benefits to current therapies, and discusses navigating the burgeoning cell and gene therapy space including challenges in regulations, manufacturing, and funding.
Advancing Singapore's biotech ecosystem - Part 2
Dr. Guy Heathers
Albatroz Therapeutics
In this part of the series, Dr. Heathers shares invaluable insights into the challenges and deliverables faced by biotech startups like Albatroz, from patent protection to product development and investor expectations. His extensive experience in the industry shines through as he discusses the differences in modalities like small molecules and antibodies, investor appetite, and the key ingredients that make a competitive biotech startup.
Advancing Singapore's biotech ecosystem - Part 1
Dr. Guy Heathers
Albatroz Therapeutics
In this part of a two-part episode, Dr. Guy Heathers, Co-Founder of Albatroz Therapeutics, discusses Singapore's biotech challenges and global solutions.
Dr. Heathers shares firsthand insights into the founding narrative of Singapore's biotech scene, alongside expert analysis of pivotal moments like the impact of Tessa Therapeutics and its aftermath on the Singapore ecosystem and biotech companies.
Screening diseases through pharmacogenomics
Levana Sani
NalaGenetics
In this episode, Levana Sani, Co-Founder and CEO of NalaGenetics, shares about her motivation behind spinning off from academia, the value of an MBA during this process, and the resources she tapped into when first starting NalaGenetics.
Additionally, she highlights the differences in commercialisation in Singapore and Indonesia, and the current challenges faced with the adoption and application of pharmacogenomics in clinics.
Dr. Massimo Alberti, CEO and co-founder of REVIVO BioSystems, shares valuable insights into the process of spinning off a technology from an academic setting. He discusses the genesis of REVIVO BioSystems, the development of their innovative 4D human tissue models, and the pivotal role of perseverance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client feedback in shaping REVIVO BioSystems' trajectory.
Modelling human skin in 4D
Dr. Massimo Alberti
REVIVO BioSystems
Dr. Carolyn Ng shares her journey from academia to venture capital and discusses the investment thesis of her company.
She also shares her insights on startup success factors - robust IP, strategic partnerships, and a stellar team. Plus, get the lowdown on navigating macroeconomic headwinds and savvy exit strategies for biotech companies.
Investing in biotech
Dr. Carolyn Ng
TPG Life Sciences Innovations
Diagnosing GI diseases using AI
Dr. Jonathan Ng
Iterative Health
In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Ng shares about his transition from medical school to entrepreneurship, and the challenges he faced in creating and starting a company on AI diagnostics for gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, he highlights healthcare challenges and the significance of mentorship through his journey. Weighing in on AI's role in healthcare transformation, Dr. Ng stresses the need for safe AI adoption through business innovation and gradual adoption to enhance patient outcomes.
With experience establishing biotech companies in both the US and Singapore, Prof. Ho highlights the ease and agility of the Singapore ecosystem while emphasizing academia's vital role in connecting innovation with real impact, stressing the significance of accessibility and community in fostering this. Additionally, he discusses the opportunities for AI in healthcare, particularly in clinical trial design and digital therapeutics. Prof. Ho also mentions the importance of a human talent pipeline to support the growing biotech industry in Singapore.
Developing Digital Therapeutics
Prof. Dean Ho
Co-Founder, KYAN Technologies
Building the Local Microbiome Community
A/Prof. Jeremy Lim
Founder and CEO of Asian Microbiome Library (AMILI)
In this episode, A/Prof. Lim discusses his transition from surgical practice to public health, policy, and entrepreneurship. He explains the important work of cataloguing the Asian microbiome and describes the work AMILI has undertaken in building the world's largest multiethnic Asian microbiome database, and how to tap into the potential of personalized gut health treatments and the role of partnerships in advancing research and development. A/Prof. Lim also shares his insights on Singapore's healthcare system and the challenges and opportunities in the biotech ecosystem.
Addressing Unmet Needs Through Precision Diagnostics
Dr. Tan Min-Han
Founder and CEO of Lucence
In February 2023, Lucence, a Singapore-headquartered startup, successfully secured approval for its liquid biopsy test for lung cancer from Medicare, a US government-funded healthcare insurance programme for the elderly. This marks the first time an Asian healthcare services provider has secured US national insurance approval. Lucence was founded in 2016 by Dr. Tan Min-Han, who took up entrepreneurship after a career in medicine and research. On this episode of Nucleate Singapore Pulse, Dr. Tan highlights how precision medicine through Lucence addresses the unmet need for early cancer diagnosis and how we should shift our focus from medicine to health.
Teaser Trailer
Who are the stakeholders in Singapore's biotech ecosystem? What's it like to build a startup here in Singapore? And how have Singaporean founders blazed new trails locally or overseas in the biotech space?
Find out the answers to these questions here on Nucleate Singapore Pulse, hosted by John Joson Ng.
Empowering Biotech Startups
Dr. Alessandro Falcone
JLABS
In this episode, Dr Alessandro Falcone highlighted the unique JPALS mentorship program that connects startups with Johnson & Johnson experts, the Investor Hub that facilitates venture capital connections, and the global Resource Hub offering preferential services to startups. He also discussed JLABS’ strategic focus on fostering innovation in Singapore’s ecosystem, emphasizing adaptability to each market’s unique strengths.