The Commons

Host Thomas Osha catches up with Ben Pricer and Spencer Perry of Schott MiniFab at the BIO International Conference 2024 in San Diego, CA. Schott MiniFab specializes in in vitro diagnostics and life science research tools, that support product developers in pursuit of diagnostic tools to improve patient care and the next generation of research tools that will accelerate our understanding of human...

Welcome, everyone, to a series of special live episodes of The Commons broadcasting straight from the heart of the life sciences industry—the Bio International Convention 2024 in beautiful San Diego, California! Over the course of the next three days, I’ll be sitting in the Phoenix, Arizona pavilion on the show floor and speaking with guests about the latest trends in biotech, hear about some of t...

Richard and Mengistu Koilor are two brothers from West Philadelphia who have transformed their passion for brewing into a beacon of hope for their community. Their brewery, aptly named "Two Locals," is more than just a place to enjoy a cold one. It’s a place where researchers, innovators, artists and others cluster and connect in Two Locals new taproom at 3675 Market Street, within uCity...

Daniel Lunz, CEO of Previse is someone who understands the importance of service and supporting the patient in their care journey – because he has lived it, both as a veteran and as a patient himself.   But, Previse can equip patients and physicians with the information needed to both avoid unnecessary procedures, yet fully monitor conditions, providing early detection if they develop into cancer....

It is hard enough navigating the start-up world.  Imagine doing so as a refugee, fleeing the ravages of war in your homeland, to find opportunity in a foreign country. My guest, Mustafa Al-Adhami, CEO of Astek Diagnostics, has done just that.  His journey is one of courage and perseverance, navigating through adversity to forge a new path. But his story doesn't end there. Determined to make a...

Imagine a world where the outdated and often uncomfortable methods of contraception are replaced by a groundbreaking innovation that is safe, effective, and empowering.  After years of research and development, the start-up – 3Daughters - has created a device that promises to offer women greater control over their reproductive choices, without the hassle and discomfort associated with traditional...

Join me for a conversation with Marco Chacon, who leads a team of brilliant minds at Irazu Oncology , tirelessly working to develop a next-generation cancer vaccine platform. This platform holds the promise of providing novel treatment options for a broad range of patients, transforming the landscape of cancer care as we know it. https://irazubio.com/

In honor of the Annual tradition of BockFest – one of the largest of which is in Cincinnati, I travelled to Gabby’s Cafe to spend a few hours with Joe Cornella, Head Brew Master to learn about Bocce Brewing, the microbrewing industry, the brewing process, and of course, to sample a few Bocce beers along the way. https://boccebrewingcompany.com/ https://gabbyswyoming.com/

Host, Thomas Osha sits down with KaloCyte’s CEO – Elaine Haynes in the company’s lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and UMB BioPark to discuss their groundbreaking bio-inspired artificial red blood cells and what’s next for this very interesting start-up. For more information, visit: https://kalocyte.com/

George Davis, Fund Manager of the Wexford SciTech Venture Fund visits with host Tom Osha about the state of seed funding in biotech and the role that firms who combine mission and return can play in helping move discoveries from university labs to becoming the start-up stars of tomorrow.

I'm thrilled to announce that Season 4 of The Commons, kicks-off this week; your favorite podcast where curiosity meets creativity, and where you can find the most extraordinary people at work to improve the human condition.  We’ll be on location in labs, breweries, art studios, conference floors, downtowns, and even in front of a live audience.

Vicki Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) joins host, Tom Osha, to discuss AURP’s numerous programs designed to help leaders of university-centric innovation districts and research parks share best practices in partnerships, programs, and operations. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 Inte...

Derek Newton, Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship at theUniversity of Toronto speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the ingredients necessary to build successful partnerships between industry and U of T and the importance that talent and place play in such collaborations. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 I...

Sean Flanigan, Director of Technology Transfer for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology speaks with host, Tom Osha, about KAUST’s research park strategy, including intellectual property management, research business development, and the strategic investment of resources in technology development. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks...

Josh Mitchell, former Managing Director Real Estate with the University of Toronto speaks with host, Tom Osha, about Uof T's new "Four Corners" strategy, which is focused on developing housing, innovation space, retail, and other income producing assets that contribute to the academic mission and provide a return to the University, as well as contribute to the vibrancy of the Toront...

Greg King, Associate Vice President, Economic Development for Georgia Tech, speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the importance of talent and corporate partnerships to the success of Technology Square and the growing Atlanta innovation ecosystem. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto Sept 19 - 22. For mor...

Phil Hockberger, Consultant, Waymaker Group speaks with host, Tom Osha, about how mid-size cities can organize their anchors, resources and stakeholders to create innovation districts in often overlooked regions of the US. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto Sept 19 - 22. For more information, please...

Mark Romney, Chief Industry Alliance Officer of Aggie Square at UC Davis speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the progress of the development of Phase 1 and the importance of Aggie Square to the City of Sacramento as well as the University community. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto Sept 19 - 22. For...

Joe Carley, Director of Economic Development for Indiana University speaks with host, Tom Osha, about efforts to create an innovation district outside the gates of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane and the opportunity to create a place where companies and entrepreneurs can interact with the Navy, outside of the secure facility and lessons for anyone working with the military or national labs...

Hala Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation, for San Diego State University, speaks with host, Tom Osha, about SDSU’s Mission Valley Innovation District and the critical innovation and community-serving activities that will emerge as the district is developed. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in...

David Adams, Commissioner, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and former Chief Innovation Officer of the University of Cincinnati, speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the importance of talent attraction the innovation ecosystems of Ohio and Indiana. The interview was conducted during Day 3 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto Sept 19...

Josh Siegel, Director, Real Estate, Administration, and University Technology Park for Illinois Tech, speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the university – its architectural history and significance and the redevelopment of a historic building into an epicenter of innovation at the University Technology Park.   The interview was conducted during Day 2 of the Association of University Research Parks 2...

Laura Bleill, Director of External Engagement for the University of Illinois Research Park, speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the university – student focus and growth of the Research Park in Urbana-Champaign as well as the innovation ecosystem across Illinois.   The interview was conducted during Day 2 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto S...

Jeff Johnson, Director Tech Center Research Park at Virginia Tech speaks with host, Tom Osha, about Tech Center in Newport News and the intersections between entrepreneurial activity and the community as well as the innovation ecosystem in Hampton Roads, Virginia.   The interview was conducted during Day 2 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toront...

Kimberly Gramm, Chief Innovation & Entrepreneur Officer for Tulane University speaks with host, Tom Osha, about the Tulane Innovation Institute and the emerging innovation ecosystem in New Orleans.   The interview was conducted during Day 2 of the Association of University Research Parks 2022 International Conference held in Toronto Sept 19 - 22. For more information please visit: https://inno...