MedTech Innovator APAC LIVE
The goal of the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific webinar series is to provide the medical device, digital and diagnostics ecosystem and our portfolio companies with guidance from experts in areas that are specific to the strategic needs outlined in our discussions and surveys.
Our virtual webinars consist of panelists addressing key questions supplied in advance by the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific Accelerator, as well as a general discussion on the topic within the context of the evolving medical device ecosystem. Our webinars are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel and LinkedIn, and are available for viewing on this page.
2024 Webinar Schedule
*All webinars start at 10 AM SGT (GMT+8) unless otherwise noted. Webinars will be posted here, or may also be viewed on the MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific LinkedIn page.
Perfecting Your Pitch Video
I am the CEO and Founder of Module Innovations, a company that is on a mission to revolutionize the infectious disease and precision diagnostics space with a strong focus on Anti-Microbial resistance (AMR). With over Ten years of experience as an entrepreneur and a scientist, I lead the overall management of the company, involving product development, funding, strategy and partnerships.
I have a background in nanotechnology and materials science, and I have multiple patents in these fields. I am also a Chevening CRISP Fellow at the University of Oxford, where I learned about innovation, technology management, policy and leadership. I have won several awards and recognitions for my work, such as the Falling Walls Lab Award, IIM-A Product Development Award, the NSTEDB Investment, and the StartHealth 3 Competition. I am passionate about creating affordable and accessible diagnostics solutions for the global health challenges.
Jim is laser focused on improving the world at the intersection of health, business and technology. Currently building out the world’s biggest support ecosystem for life science startups he brings his entrepreneurial, business and engineering experience to help make the next generation of life science entrepreneurs successful.
Previously, Jim was co-founder and CEO of Clara Biotech, and also worked in consulting supporting the development of medical products from prototyping through manufacturing. He has served as lead engineer on a laser therapy device, secured 510(k) approval from the FDA for one of the first mobile medical devices and worked in all aspects of design, manufacturing, quality and regulatory.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (with honors) and a master’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Kansas (second graduate from the program). He also holds a masters certificate in Technopreneurship (http://www.ntc.ntu.edu.sg/Pages/home.aspx) from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Fundraising, Term Sheets & Deal Structuring
Joseph started his career as a scientist, developing new cancer therapies during his PhD at the University of Toronto. He co-founded a medical device startup during his studies which brought him into the world of business and his first interactions with VCs.
He first learned about active investing during his time at DM Capital in Shenzhen, helping launch their first fund, Harmony. He then joined Oliver Wyman’s health and life sciences practice to understand and develop strategies towards addressing key business and market needs for his global healthcare clients, and did so for over 75 projects, and across 20+ markets. During this time he also assisted several funds and conglomerates with their healthcare investment strategies.
Seeing the need for more early stage investment for healthcare founders, and the opportunity for technology to make a real difference, Joseph began angel investing in health tech companies in 2014, eventually reaching a personal portfolio of 9 companies by 2018. It was at that point that Joseph realised that he needed to do this full time and that there weren’t any funds out there that were focused on seed stage, health tech, and massive solving global problems, which is when he decided to launch Verge HealthTech later that year.
Venture Investor who is passionate about finding ways to help entrepreneurs succeed. Extensive investment experience focused on early-stage companies in the medtech and climate tech sectors as lead investor and board member. Experienced in sourcing, investing and mentoring startups across the venture ecosystem from formation to exit. Core competencies in private company governance, strategic planning, and portfolio management.
Corporate Partnerships and M&A
Dynamic medical device executive with over 15 years of broad industry experience rooted in commercialization strategy and product development. Most recently focused on supporting C-level executives and their innovative companies achieve commercial success, while shaping policy and direction for entire medtech industry. A creative and intuitive manager with deep understanding of the technical and regulatory environment and ability to identify innovative ways to overcome current challenges in bringing healthcare products to market. Strong business development professional skilled in medical devices, biotechnology, business intelligence, and working with commercial payers and government agencies including FDA, CMS, and NIH.
Building an IP Portfolio in Medtech & Digital Health
I am an attorney at WSGR working closely with innovators and entrepreneurs to navigate the intersection of AI and intellectual property law, advising on AI patent strategies across life sciences and tech.
Harry has 15 years’ experience advising clients on business-critical Information Technology, Intellectual Property and general commercial issues. He has a particular interest in the technology, financial services, life sciences and healthcare sectors, and is co-head of the firm’s Asia (ex-China) pharmaceuticals sector.
Harry has led on a wide range of complex, multi-jurisdictional and high-value commercial arrangements, including:
- major outsourcings (both technology and business process), the development and procurement of software, hardware and related IT services, and cloud computing offerings (including SaaS, PaaS and IaaS arrangements)
- technology/IP development, licensing, and commercialisation agreements
- pharmaceutical research, development and commercialisation agreements (including supply, manufacture, promotion and marketing arrangements), product in-licensing agreements
- JVAs and commercial collaborations
Harry also has extensive experience advising clients on the IP/IT/data aspects of corporate transactions. Harry has advised on a number of commercial and patent disputes in the life sciences sector.
Regulatory Strategy: APAC vs U.S.
Over 25 years of Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Trial and Pharmacovigilance experience in Asia with good knowledge in the field of Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Nutritional, Consumer Healthcare and Biological products.
Externally, playing a leading role among all the Regional Regulatory professionals in AHWP (Asian Harmonization Working Party). Developed the First Asia Regulatory Affairs Certificate course since 2007 with over 3800 students in industry, government and universities. Being the founder of ARPA (Asia Regulatory Professional Associations) since 2010 with over 4600 members. Wrote the first Asia Regulatory Book, Handbook of Medical Device Regulatory Affairs in Asia, 2nd edition now.
Adjunct Lectureship & Visiting Professorship with Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Tohoku University (Japan), Beijing University (China), Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Taipei Technical University (Taiwan), University of Sydney (Australia), Dongguk University (Korea)
Jessica is an Executive Vice President at Veranex, a global medical device service provider specializing in end-to-end solutions that help medtech organizations achieve results faster though proven expertise and resources. As the Contract Research Organization (CRO) & Consulting Services business unit leader, Jessica oversees integrated services, including clinical trial strategy/execution, clinical data services, regulatory affairs, quality/compliance, market access, and reimbursement. She also manages operations, client communications, business development, and results tracking.
A seasoned professional in medical devices and diagnostics, Jessica is experienced with Software as a Medical Device (SaMDs), surgical innovation, oncology, aesthetics, cardiology, and gastroenterology technologies. Having proudly worked at Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) and Becton Dickinson and Co (NYSE: BDX), she gained experience leading commercialization teams, driving impactful projects in sales planning, physician education, collaboration with patient advocacy groups, and driving change management.
Beyond her role at Veranex, Jessica is actively involved in the industry, serving on the boards of MedtechWomen and UCLA’s Technology Development Group (TDG). She advises startups, accelerators, and universities, including MedTech Innovator, UC Berkeley’s Master of Translational Medicine program, the Mayo Clinic’s Executive Steering Committee for the Surgical Innovation Summit, and UCLA Biodesign.
Committed to fostering a diverse culture and strategic vision, Jessica establishes policies that reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and values. She earned her BA in Communications and Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley.
PR and Brand Management
A modern, resilient and proven growth leader with 17 years’ experience in technology, B2B, B2C, FMCG and travel and tourism sectors. I’m passionate about delivering measurable communication campaigns and programs, which are born out of genuine consumer and market insights, that lead to real business impact.
I’ve led and grew a business in Asia Pacific, managed agency operations (Finance/ IT/ Marketing/ HR), devised and delivered integrated communications programs, expanded and managed diverse teams, attracted and retained high performing talent, and built a fun and engaging culture in Asia Pacific markets.
Experienced at providing strategic counsel, issues management, brand reputation, narratives, messaging and positioning, public affairs, Pan-Asian strategy development, campaign planning and creative platforms that include demand generation, digital marketing, content marketing, thought-leadership, media relations and analyst relations.
Clients have included: Equinix, Ferrero, Hitachi Vantara, NTT Ltd (formerly Dimension Data), Qatar Airways, Roche Diagnostics, Skyscanner, Sophos and Spotify.
As an entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in various fields and industries, I am passionate about creating value and solving problems through innovation and collaboration. I have co-founded and served in leading roles in several startups, from payments to media, and have been involved in all aspects of the business, from operations and project management, to sales and strategy.
Currently, I am the CEO of Thrixen, a company that is developing a diagnostic technology platform to make diagnostics available when and where they matter most. At Thrixen, I lead the vision, strategy, and execution of our mission to transform the healthcare industry and improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
Attracting Talent and Building Effective MedTech Advisory Boards
Ms. Shea is a Senior Clinical Project Manager with over 15 years of experience at research sites, academic research facilities, and other Clinical Research Organizations. Having started as a research assistant in psychiatric research, she was quickly promoted to Clinical Research Coordinator. She gained experience in that role in numerous different therapeutic areas in CNS and ophthalmology. She found her passion for protocol-development, database programming and management, and mentoring as a Project Manager for a team of critical care investigators, responsible for the oversight of an NIH R01 multi-center grant exploring post-cardiac arrest care. With the successful completion of this NIH grant resulting in numerous published manuscripts, Lisa transitioned back to coordinating clinical trials to support the hematology-oncology and gynecology oncology teams in a patient-facing role as Clinical Research Coordinator. In this role, she supported the mentoring of junior research support staff, development and implementation of SOPs, in addition to day-to-day coordination of complex oncology trials, including patient identification, recruitment, and data collection.
Ms Shea received a B.A. in Sociology from Immaculata University. After becoming a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through Association of Clinical Research Professionals, she went on to earn a M.S. of Clinical Research Administration from George Washington University. Most recently, Lisa completed her certifications of Certified Professional and Project Management through Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Senior executive with 29 years’ experience in clinical research industry. Built and led large diverse teams of over 500+ headcounts across India, South Korea, China, Japan including Australia/New Zealand. A strong entrepreneurial leader; helped global CROs and regulatory consulting firm to establish their footprint into Asia.
In my current role – I engage with biotechs to provide ideal proposal for their assets development from early clinical phase to commercialization. Believe in equal partnership, stand with customers as a voice within the organization and a genuine well-wisher. With solid clinical operational background the conversation with the innovator becomes more meaningful and directs them to make a very informed decision on how they spend their dollar.
- Member Society for Prevention of Cancer (SPOC) – working with Oncologist to share ways to delay the onset of cancer. Part of Clinical Research Professionals Association -Singapore (SCRP). Support Patient Advocacy organization like Organization for Rare Disease India.
- Ex Board Member of Drug Information Association (DIA), USA.
- Member of Singapore Institute of Director (SID) since June 2022. Membership Number 33516.
- Certified Practising Management Consultant recognised internationally over 80 countries from non –profit organization, Singapore Business Advisors &Consultants Council (SBACC) endorsed by government agency
Pricing, Reimbursement & Health Economics
Anand Jha is a senior healthcare executive, currently Managing Director of Ansea Consulting, a global healthcare consulting focused on Strategic Pricing, Market Access & Stakeholder Engagement and working with multiple pharma and medical device multinationals.
Anand comes with more than 25yrs of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device industry across multiple geographies including Asia, Switzerland, Russia & India. His diverse experience ranges from multiple commercial roles to a deep expertise in market access at global, regional and local levels. Most recently he has served as General Manager Singapore and Regional Head of Market Access & Govt Affairs Asia/Russia for Alcon, the eyecare division of Novartis. Prior to that Anand was Regional Head of Pricing, Market Access, Patient Relations & Communications for Novartis Oncology Asia, wherein he designed and led the implementation of multiple patient access
programs, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement initiatives and industry collaborations for cancer drugs access.
Anand is passionate in helping patients get access to the latest technology, products & solutions by working with stakeholders across the healthcare systems and supporting efforts of industry & other players through his extensive experience in this area.
A proven leader with over a decade of experience working on health economics, evidence planning, market access, reimbursement, and commercial strategy, Jordan is in the business of putting life-changing technologies into the hands of those who need them. Her focus is medtech, including devices, diagnostics, digital health, as well as combination products. Jordan has helped launch products across US, Asian, European, and Latin American markets. She holds a Bachelor’s in health policy from Brandeis University, and pursued graduate studies in stochastic modeling and health decision sciences at the University of Minnesota, where she also served as a researcher and instructor in health services research. In addition to her expertise in market access and health economics, she has held health policy roles in state government, worked in patient access, and in academia.
Commercialization: Building & Managing Distribution Channels in APAC vs U.S.
Ajeesh has over 20 years of healthcare experience working for Johnson & Johnson in Europe and Asia Pacific. During this time he held a variety of commercial (P&L management, sales leadership, commercial excellence) and operational roles (Operations, Procurement, Finance).
Ajeesh founded Blue Box Advancements to bring commercial strategy and operations expertise to start-ups and medium sized health care firms. Blue Box’s key areas of engagement are
[1] defining commercial strategy (go to market model)
[2] operationalizing commercial model (partnerships, process, people, systems) and
[3] driving consistent sales performance (direct/ distributor).