In this expansive episode, Aneil Mallavarapu delivers a masterclass on what TechBio is really about and why most investors and founders are still getting it wrong. We dig into the communication gap between technical genius and venture capital, the brutal economics of research tools, the data dilemmas in wet AI, and why the future belongs to founders who can both build deep and speak simply.
Aneil shares hard truths about platform strategy, revenue (yes, revenue), and the myth of “cool diagnostics” inside a broken healthcare system. But this isn’t just about critique. It’s a hopeful, strategic call for a new generation of purposeful companies, built not only for returns but for impact. If you're working at the intersection of biology, tech, and meaning, this is the one to listen to.

Ep. 28 Aneil Mallavarapu on Building and Monetizing TechBio Platforms, Storytelling and Why Diagnostics Won’t Save a System Designed to Fail

Learn how flexibility, real-time control, and localized trial expertise are reshaping the future of CRO's from the man redefining it. Listen in as Ardian Latifi breaks down why Southern CDC’s sponsor-first model is more than an experiment; it’s the new path forward.

In this episode of Spark Time!, we sit down with Dr. Ardian Latifi, founder and CEO of Southern Clinical Development Consulting (Southern CDC). Ardian shares how his frustration with big, bureaucratic CROs inspired a bold, leaner model. One built for biotech sponsors, not shareholders.

Forget the one-size-fits-all, multi-billion-dollar corporate CROs. Ardian's approach puts sponsors back in the driver’s seat, with modular teams, consultants limited to just 2–3 projects at a time, and radically transparent pricing and timelines. No hidden handoffs or surprise delays. Just direct access, expert-driven trials built for speed and clarity.

Ep. 27 Burn the CRO Playbook: Ardian Latifi on Building a Sponsor-First Model

In this episode of Spark Time, we sit down with Steve McIntyre, CEO of Agilex Biolabs, Cameron Smith, Chief Business Development Officer, Agilex Biolabs and Mike Burfield, Partner with RDI partners, a leader in Australian R&D tax services.We dive into why Australia has become a strategic hub for global biotech development, and how Agilex Biolabs is helping companies move faster, smarter, and farther with their non-clinical and clinical development, global regulatory readiness, and access to a 43.5% R&D tax rebate.From cutting-edge BioA and tox capabilities to decoding the strategic and financial advantages that most U.S. biotechs miss, this episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to stretch their runway and accelerate drug development timelines.Listen in to learn how to make Australia part of your R&D strategy.

Ep. 26 The Australian Advantage; How Global Biotechs Are Accelerating R&D with Agilex Biolabs

What does a former Google leader see when he looks at the drug discovery process? A broken system and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild it with AI.

Javier Tordable spent 16 years at Google leading technical teams, and helping global pharma companies modernize through AI in his role as Technical Director in the CTO office. Now he’s the founder and CEO of Pauling AI, an early-stage startup using molecular simulation to radically accelerate how new medicines are found. In this episode, Javier breaks down what biotech gets fundamentally wrong about AI and the cost of those misconceptions. 

We explore the bold bets he’s making to reshape the industry, what biotech teams get wrong when explaining cutting-edge science, and how hosting his own podcast, The Pauling Perspective, has sharpened his lens on what truly resonates. 

Also on the table: Linus Pauling, investor mind games, and the one prediction about drug development that might make traditionalists sweat. 

This one’s for the engineers, the skeptics, and anyone daring to rethink what’s possible.

Ep. 25 Javier Tordable Saw Biotech’s Blind Spot. Then Built a Company to Fix It.

We sit down with Maree Beare, the visionary CEO and founder of Clinials. Maree shares her journey in transforming clinical trials through AI-driven solutions, that streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and make research more accessible to diverse populations.
She breaks down the long-standing bottlenecks in clinical trials, and shares why and how she built a platform to tackle the complexity and inefficiencies head-on.
We explore how Clinials is redefining communication, simplifying protocols, automating workflows, and accelerating decision-making to drive faster, more cost-effective, and inclusive trials globally. Maree also discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research, and how technology can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
Tune in to discover why she’s becoming one of the most compelling voices at the intersection of AI, clinical trials, and patient-centric care.

Ep. 24 AI vs. Clinical Trial Chaos: Maree Beare Isn’t Waiting Around

This week we are joined by Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech to talk about the future of CGT and why scalable strategic manufacturing is in a make or break moment, his experience scaling Indivior from 5 to 1,100 people culminating in a £3B exit and the powerful culture behind that growth, the Bluebird Bio acquisition and what it means for CGT investment today, and why he is deeply optimistic about Ori Biotech’s automated, closed platform. A must-listen for anyone building, investing in, or scaling the next era of biotech.

Ep. 23 Jason Foster on Scaling Indivior, Leading Ori Biotech, and Solving the Real-World Bottlenecks Holding Back Cell and Gene Therapy

In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Greenberg, Founder and CEO of AG Capital Advisors, to explore her journey building and scaling the Center for Breakthrough Medicines into one of the largest advanced therapies CDMOs. Audrey shares how she fosters a strong culture in her ventures, her insights on the critical need for more women in capital allocation roles, and where she sees the cell and gene therapy field heading next – including what it will take to get there.

Ep. 22 Audrey Greenberg on Strategically Enabling Cell & Gene Therapy

We sit down with Emily Fang, CEO of InFocus Therapeutics, to discuss her global BD career, partnerships in biotech, and the state of RNA-targeting small molecules. Emily describes the deep understanding she builds with partners and investors around the world.

Ep. 21 Emily Fang on Authentically Understanding a Global Audience

Martin Brenner is the CEO of iBio, a company advancing antibody therapeutics for obesity using multiple AI engines – but the company started in a very different place. Listen to Martin describe the company’s transformation, how leaders in AI and biology can refocus their narrative on reality, and what kind of team he builds for success.

Ep. 20 Martin Brenner on Intersecting AI and Biology for Obesity

Kate Beebe Devarney is a neuroscientist and biotech executive focused on bringing relief to cancer patients through Moxie Therapeutics. Listen in as she speaks candidly about the lessons she has taken from her own experiences with cancer as well as, in many cases, being the only woman in the room.

Ep. 19 Kate Beebe DeVarney on Channeling Cancer Challenges into Biotech Innovation

Scientific innovation happens every day and has the power to create lasting change in the world. However, change only happens when that knowledge is applied to a real-world problem. There are a lot of daunting problems that face us, many of which require audacious and ambitious solutions. What prevents scientific leaders from delivering our most-needed solutions? What about a great story compels us to solve our most demanding challenges?

Explore the importance of storytelling as a leadership tool to power scientific innovation and drive transformative change. Join two entrepreneurs – Dani Stoltzfus and Will Riedl – as we interview innovators, trailblazers, and rulebreakers who seek to transform the world through scientific advancement.

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