CRS Trainees Learn About Reproductive Science Careers in Startups

Maria Veronica Morales Zapata, MS, MD, 2nd year MS-RSM student

The recent Career Catalyst session, titled “Reproductive Science Careers in Startups,” brought together four leaders who are transforming the future of reproductive medicine through biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The panel featured Merrick Pierson Smela, PhD, Joshua Johnson, PhD, Evan Sussman, MBA, and Staša Stanković, PhD. Their diverse backgrounds in chemistry, developmental biology, industry, business, and computational genomics illustrated the many paths that can lead to successful careers in reproductive science startups. Panelist headshots

Ovelle is developing technologies to generate human oocytes from stem cells, to expand reproductive options for individuals who may otherwise be unable to have genetically related children. Dr. Smela described how his fascination with a landmark study demonstrating the generation of mouse oocytes from stem cells inspired him to transition from chemistry into reproductive biology. After training at the University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School, he co-founded Ovelle to translate this science into fertility therapies. He emphasized that startup environments require flexibility, rapid learning, and a strong record of independent research.

LifeAhead focuses on forecasting reproductive aging and menopause using mathematical models of the ovarian reserve. Dr. Johnson, who is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, explained how his long-standing interest in ovarian physiology led him to develop predictive tools that may help women better understand their reproductive timelines. His experience demonstrated that academic discoveries can be successfully commercialized while maintaining an active university research program.

Granata Bio was founded to address both the cost and limited innovation in fertility therapeutics. Drawing on his experience at previous companies, Mr. Sussman described how the company initially focused on late-stage fertility drugs to create competition and lower treatment costs and has more recently expanded into early-stage programs in ovarian aging, oncofertility, and next-generation follicle-stimulating hormone therapies. He highlighted the importance of understanding both the scientific and business fundamentals required to attract investors and bring therapies to market.

OvartiX is a women’s health biotechnology company based in the United Kingdom that uses human genetics and ovarian models to discover novel therapeutics targeting ovarian aging and medically induced menopause. Dr. Stanković recounted how her research at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge revealed the central role of DNA repair pathways in determining menopausal timing. Supported by organizations such as the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Microsoft, OvartiX is translating these discoveries into drug candidates designed to preserve ovarian function and fertility.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized that startups offer a unique opportunity to transform fundamental discoveries into real-world solutions for patients. They noted that companies often emerge when a discovery addresses an unmet need that academia alone cannot advance toward clinical development and commercialization. Securing seed funding requires persistence, strong preliminary data, and the ability to communicate complex science clearly to non-expert investors.

For early-career scientists, startups value adaptability, independence, resilience, and a willingness to take on a range of responsibilities beyond technical research. In small teams, scientists often contribute to experimental design, data analysis, fundraising, and business strategy. Opportunities are commonly posted on LinkedIn Jobs, and networking remains one of the best ways to discover emerging companies in the field.

A recurring theme was the importance of mission-driven work. The speakers emphasized that, although building a startup is demanding and uncertain, a clear scientific vision, a supportive team, and a strong sense of purpose are essential for overcoming challenges and advancing solutions to major reproductive health problems.

The session highlighted the rapid growth of reproductive biotechnology and the extraordinary opportunities available to scientists trained in reproductive biology. As investment in women’s health and fertility grows, startups are increasingly bridging academic discoveries and patient care. For trainees, reproductive science offers exciting opportunities to combine scientific research with entrepreneurship.