Thanks to all who attended the CU Anschutz Innovation Forum

CU Innovations, Startup Toolbox and Academia Industry Alliance (AIA) hosted a 3-day event on June 10-12th that highlighted the diversity of innovation at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

 

Engaging presentations and panel discussions demystified the innovation journey. Key sessions covered company formation, building inclusive teams and career opportunities. CU researchers, start-ups and industry partners participated and networked at this successful event!

 

Congratulations to the winners of the Venture Showcase: NowVitals, pitched by Robin Deterding, MD, and Vināśa Oncology, pitched by Sujatha Venkataraman, PhD!

 


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Agenda

Day 1 | Fostering Diversity in Innovation

Hosted by CU Innovations


Building upon the success of last year's Stories of Women-Led Innovation Event, this forum continued highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by our women innovators and demystifying the innovation pathway through presentations and panel discussions. Sessions covered intellectual property protection, building inclusive teams and addressing bias in the context of academic innovation.

Attendees were excited to hear from our keynote speaker, Gitanjali Rao, aspiring scientist, inventor and author!

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Day 2 | Igniting Impact with Academic Innovation

Hosted by CU Innovations Startup Toolbox


This event aimed to educate and inspire entrepreneurs at all stages. Featuring panels on company formation, funding biomedical discoveries and creating strategic alliances, each session included interactive elements and the chance to network with potential partners from the Anschutz campus and beyond. 

Attendees got to know Jodie Morrison, CEO of Q32 Bio, and Kimberly Muller, Executive Director of CU Innovations, through their Fireside Chat Keynote.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Day 2 | Venture Showcase

Hosted by CU Innovations Startup Toolbox


Congratulations to the judge vote winner, NowVitals pitched by Robin Deterding, MD, and the audience vote winner, Vināśa Oncology pitched by Sujatha Venkataraman, PhD!

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Day 3 | Rocky Mountain Biotech Symposium

Hosted by Academia Industry Alliance


With sessions featuring scientific talks, career panels, and a 2-hour networking lunch, RMBTS offered a prime platform to highlight scientific advancements and career opportunities, and foster collaboration within Colorado's scientific community.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Marissa McKercher PhD

Senior Scientist Group Lead, KBI Biopharma

Marissa received B.S. degrees in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Denver and then earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined Elion Labs in 2017 as a scientist, where she specialized in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to support biotherapeutic primary structure and glycan characterization. Following the company’s acquisition by KBI Biopharma in 2019, Marissa progressed to a senior scientist role where she now manages a team of staff and leads product characterization studies that enable the commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Event Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for making this forum possible! We are greatly appreciative of your continued support.

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

Cooley Sponsor Logo
CO Office of Economic Development Logo Horizontal

SPONSORS:

CU Innovations

CU Anschutz

Anschutz Health Sciences Building

1890 N Revere Ct

Suite 6202

Mail Stop F411

Aurora, CO 80045


303-724-6653

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