The Scripps Research Biotech Innovation Summit convened in La Jolla this October, bringing together thought leaders from across the biotech spectrum for a dynamic program of keynote presentations, fireside chats, pitches and collaborative networking opportunities. Now in its second year, the event was planned in partnership with the newly formed Strategic Investment Committee, a distinguished group of advisors dedicated to fostering a vibrant biotech ecosystem that empowers the next generation of scientific talent. Event attendees engaged directly with Scripps Research investigators pioneering early-stage innovation and the programming showcased how strategic partnerships between academia and industry can transform breakthrough discoveries into therapies that address urgent medical needs.

The summit kicked off with a keynote address from Tom Daniel, Scripps Research board member, chair and founder of Life Science Cares, and chair of Gate Bioscience, who shared how his career journey as a physician, investigator and venture partner has given him new insights into how to successfully approach the biotech industry. Driven by his own personal connection to seeing family members survive serious illnesses, Daniel encouraged attendees to assess their strategies through the lens of a five-point framework: people, purpose, path, pivot potential and persistence.

“We are all patients, and patients are waiting for our innovations,” noted Daniel, framing the day’s discussions around the urgency of translating research into real-world impact.

The morning panel brought together scientists from Scripps Research and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to discuss how they think about academic-industry partnerships and the factors that have led to their successful 13-year-long collaboration.

Moderated by Professor Keary Engle, the John and Susan Diekman Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, the panel included Phil Baran, professor and Dr. Richard A. Lerner Endowed Chair at Scripps Research; Phil Dawson, professor and chair of the Graduate School Advisory Committee at Scripps Research; Chris Bi, executive director of integrative sciences at BMS; Martin Eastgate, vice president of the CMC portfolio strategy and integration at BMS; and Monica Fitzgerald, executive director of development chemistry at BMS.

The discussion noted several factors that distinguish productive collaborations from those that stall. Two of the critical ones are collaborating across a relatively flat structure to enable rapid decision making and engaging in the philosophy of “letting the science drive the conversation,” said Bi.

“We’re not funding a project or a faculty member—we’re funding a relationship,” emphasized Eastgate regarding BMS’ investment strategy. He noted that Scripps Research faculty uniquely understand how to maximize value from partnerships, while BMS works to ensure students working on collaborative projects can publish freely thanks to the pair’s intellectual property strategies.

Reflecting on the 13-year partnership, Baran noted, “Academics are looking through a telescope at the stars, and industry partners provide the rocket to get there.”

Following a pitch session in which three Scripps Research scientists presented their innovative approaches to neurological and genetic disorders, Kenneth Krisko, head of Cooley’s life sciences corporate partnering and licensing practice group, moderated a fireside chat focused on bridging academic discovery and clinical reality.

Joined by Travis Young, executive vice president of the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, and Isy Goldwasser, chief executive officer of Calibr BioVentures, the session highlighted Calibr-Skaggs’ growth from a drug discovery engine to a drug development leader with four different programs that have reached IND approval in the last two years and multiple candidates moving into phase 2 trials in just the next year.

Young described Calibr-Skaggs’ differentiating factor as its ability to invest in high-risk, high-reward programs over a longer timeframe than that of traditional biotech companies.

“Success at Calibr-Skaggs means demonstrating a clinical proof of concept and delivering treatments to patients,” Young explained. “That’s what we’re all here for.”

Throughout the afternoon, Scripps Research scientists also gave compelling pitches for their ongoing research ranging from autoimmunity and cancer to drug discovery and design. Darrell Irvine, professor and vice chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research, also moderated a unique session with three biotech investors that pulled back the curtain on how they think about partnering with early-stage companies—providing insight and guidance to researchers.

The summit brought into sharp focus how Scripps Research is building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem—one that combines world-class foundational science with the infrastructure, partnerships and entrepreneurial culture needed to accelerate discoveries toward patient impact.

Thank you to the many sponsors of this event including Cooley, Lilly Gateway Labs and Latham & Watkins.

Explore our available technologies or reach out to otd@scripps.edu to learn about opportunities to partner with Scripps Research scientists.