Six Yale Faculty Awardees Recognized as New Haven’s Thriving Innovation Hub Takes Center Stage 

From novel therapeutic treatments for obesity and endometriosis to a simulated psychedelic immersive experience to treat depression and a unisex non-hormonal contraceptive, the 2024 Yale Life Science PitchFest showcased Yale's most promising life science innovations from 34 Yale faculty-led teams. The event, held on December 5, 2024 at 101 College Street in New Haven, served as the semifinals for the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale, Yale’s life science accelerator fund supporting the translation of groundbreaking research into innovative healthcare solutions.  

The day-long event drew over 500 attendees—Yale faculty and student scientists, industry partners, and healthcare investors—to witness Yale’s most promising translational research in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health.  

“PitchFest and The Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale drive life science breakthroughs by transforming discoveries into ventures tackling global healthcare challenges. We celebrate all scientist-entrepreneur applicants and their contributions, and we’re excited to support their journey,” said Morag Grassie, director of The Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale, which is overseen by Yale Ventures.  

Following the full day of pitches and judges’ Q&A, two faculty-led teams were recognized for their outstanding pitches and an additional four teams received audience choice awards selected by popular votes. The event was sponsored by Shipman & Goodwin LLP, CDD Vault, DavosPharma, Jubilant Biosys, Nona Biosciences, Syngene, and WuXi Biologics.

Congratulations to the 2024 Yale Life Science PitchFest awardees:   

A record number of faculty applied to this year’s Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale. Participating in the Blavatnik Fund application cycle provides faculty with mentorship, business expertise, pitch coaching, the opportunity as a semifinalist to present at PitchFest, and go on to compete for a Blavatnik Award. This year, $3.2M in non-dilutive funding will be awarded to support the commercial translation of applicants’ research. Since its inception over 8 years ago, The Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale has funded 81 unique early-stage life science projects resulting in the creation of 28 ventures that have collectively raised $310M, many of which call New Haven home.  

“This gathering of scientists, industry leaders, and investors highlights the people, places, and ideas driving life sciences innovation forward here in New Haven. Together, we are helping Connecticut solidify its reputation as a national hub for life sciences, with New Haven leading the way,” said Josh Geballe, managing director at Yale Ventures and senior associate provost for innovation and entrepreneurship at Yale.

The 2024 Yale Life Science PitchFest culminated in a celebration of Connecticut’s thriving biotech ecosystem with the BioCT annual holiday party, where Kat Kayser-Bricker, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Halda Therapeutics, was honored as the BioCT Entrepreneur of the Year. This prestigious award, established in 2013 by BioCT and Shipman & Goodwin LLP, recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs driving innovation across Connecticut’s life sciences sector. The holiday party, attended by over 300 life science executives, marked a fitting conclusion to a day that spotlighted Yale faculty innovators and celebrated the unveiling of the Winstanley Enterprises 101 College Street life sciences building, solidifying New Haven’s position as a premier life sciences hub.

About Yale Ventures  

Launched by Yale University in 2022, Yale Ventures seeks to foster and accelerate a vibrant entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem that increases support, resources, and opportunities for Yale’s faculty and student innovators as they translate their ideas and discoveries into new ventures that will positively impact the world's greatest challenges.