Join us for the Health Innovation Translation Symposium (HITS), a half-day event accelerating the path from discovery to real-world impact. Engage with industry leaders, academic innovators, and investors on funding trends, gap financing, and sustainable partnerships. With contributions from Morrison Foerster and Silicon Valley Bank, this symposium spotlights legal, financial, and strategic insights to move health innovations forward. Discover core facilities, connect with founders, and explore the next wave of health solutions.
Event Agenda
8:30 a.m. Coffee and Networking
9 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Jim Krenn, Partner, Morrison and Foerster
9:15 a.m. Innovation Leadership: Policy, Investment, and Grant Landscape
- Paul Roben, Associate Vice Chancellor, Office of Innovation and Commercialization
- Dr. Vish Krishnan, Jacobs Family Chair in Management and Engineering Leadership at UC San Diego
9:30 a.m. Building Sustainable Partnerships: Industry, Academia, and Investors
- Moderator: Jim Krenn, Morrison and Foerster
- Panelists: Prasad Sunkara, NuFund Bio and Life Sciences Angel Investor, Marc Martin-Cassas, Illumina Ventures, AJ Fortier, VP Healthcare Technology & Medical Devices, Silicon Valley Bank
10:30 a.m. Gap Funding & Proof of Concept Programs
- Moderator: Dr. Vish Krishnan, Jacobs Family Chair in Management and Engineering Leadership at UC San Diego
- Panelists: AJ Fortier, VP Healthcare Technology & Medical Devices, Silicon Valley Bank, Shane Moise, Senior Manager for Strategic Innovation Alliances, Office of Innovation and Commercialization, Dr. Debbie Spector, Distinguished Professor of Cell and Molecular Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy, GEM (Galvanizing Engineering in Medicine)
11:30 a.m. LUNCH
Featuring a Special Guest Conversation on IP Strategy and Startup Landscape
- Karen G. Potter, Partner, Morrison Foerster
- Samantha H Murphy, PhD, VP of Corporate Development, Aspen Neuroscience, Inc.
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 1:1 Legal Office Hours
By appointment only. Sign up at the event to meet privately with Morrison Foerster and Silicon Valley Bank on the 4th Floor.
