2024 Agenda

7:15 – 8:00 am PDT

EXPERIENCE

Octane Capital and Growth Breakfast (Invite Only)

WELCOME

Welcome and Introduction

Cheryl Wood, Senior Signature Event Manager, Octane

Bill Carpou, CEO, Octane

EMCEE – Terri Ross, President, APX Platform Powered by Engage; CEO & Founder Terri Ross Consulting; Co-Founder, The Aesthetic Success

KEYNOTE

Josh Makower, MD, Professor of Medicine and of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Medicine & Engineering;

Director & Co-Founder, Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign;

Chairman & Founder, ExploraMed Development, LLC

PANEL

Innovation Expanding Globally – Financing the Innovation of the Future

Exploring the profound impact of disruption from other industries on the landscape.  In an era marked by unprecedented technological innovation and rapid change, pioneers from diverse sectors such as Apple, GoogleX, and Nvidia have reshaped entire industries, challenging conventional norms and setting new standards for excellence.

Mark Herbet, VP of Biopharma Business Development, Varda Space Industries

EXPERIENCE

Morning Break

PANEL

The Intersection of AI and Healthcare Innovation

Explore the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and treatment across various domains. Discuss key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the integration of AI-driven solutions in healthcare. Debate the value of AI innovation versus human innovation.

Moderator: Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, MS, Founder of Ai-Med; Chief Intelligence and Innovation Officer, 

Eric Gildenhuys, President and CEO, Rezultant Inc.

Jean-Pierre Hubschman, MD, Co-Founder & CEO, Horizon Surgical Systems

Ryan J. O’Connell, MD, Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, Clinical Informatics / Pathology, UC Irvine

Sumit Paliwal, Vice President, Diagnostics & Visualization, Surgical Instrumentation R&D, Alcon

Mark Silverman, Director, Omnichannel Strategy, AbbVie

CAPITAL & GROWTH

Octane Portfolio Companies

Octane portfolio companies that have graduated from Octane’s LaunchPad accelerator sponsored by the SBDC will pitch their products to our investor ecosystem with key strategics and physicians.

EXPERIENCE

LUNCH

PANEL

Regenerative Medicine: Bridging the Gap to Curative Therapies

Explore the innovations in regenerative medicine treatment options for degenerative diseases. Discuss how regenerative technologies are accelerating drug discovery, optimizing cell therapies, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Aileen J Anderson, PhD, Director, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center

Tanya Siddiqi, MD, Associate Professor, Director, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Program, City of Hope

FIRESIDE CHAT

Andrew Gitkin, Senior Managing Director, Investment Banking, Leerink

CAPITAL & GROWTH

Octane Portfolio Companies

Emcee: 

Octane portfolio companies that have graduated from Octane’s LaunchPad accelerator sponsored by the SBDC will pitch their products to our investor ecosystem with key strategics and physicians.

Presenting Companies:

Judges:

People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice Winners Voting & Announcement!

EXPERIENCE 

Afternoon Break

PANEL

Neuro Behavioral Health and Wellness

FIRESIDE CHAT

Nicole Roberts, Co-Founder of the Super Bowl Brain Health Summit 

Leigh Steinberg, Chairman of Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment Holdings

PANEL

Neuro Tech Forum 2025: Transforming Care and Outcomes

Discussing how cutting-edge AI technologies are reshaping diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurovascular conditions, offering unprecedented insights and personalized approaches. Gain valuable perspectives from leading experts as we explore the frontier of AI-driven solutions in neurovascular medicine, paving the way for enhanced patient care and improved outcomes.

Scott Joslyn, Chief Innovation Officer, UCI Health (Moderator)

EXPERIENCE

Closing Comments

EXPERIENCE

OCTANEFEST

The Catalina Ballroom

We are thrilled to be able to gather attendees together to solidify the connections made throughout the day at this invaluable networking event!  Strategics, entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts will all be in attendance.  The event will feature various beers, light hors d’oeuvres, and libations. 

EXPERIENCE

Registration & Networking Exhibitor Breakfast

EXPERIENCE

EMCEE – Terri Ross, President, APX Platform Powered by Engage; CEO & Founder Terri Ross Consulting; Co-Founder, The Aesthetic Success

PANEL

A View from Strategics

What are strategics looking for in the start up world?  How are digital and AI innovations advancing patient care?  Discussing the pros and cons of ‘alert fatigue’ to establish the meaningfulness of digital apps and the alert systems.  Identifying the ecosystem of referrals to advance therapeutic treatments and access to them.

Christine Heyninck-Jantz, Vice President R&D, Transcatheter Heart Valves, Edwards Lifesciences

PANEL

Marketplace Overview – State of the Industry

A macro view on the funding environment and the factors that are impacting the trends (technology, interest rates, politics etc). Why has it been so difficult to raise capital? Why has it dried up and is that going to change?  What are we projecting for change in the market cycle?  What are valuations today, what do the multiples look like?  Why are some transactions happening and others aren’t?

Jim Mazzo, Executive Chairman, Neurotech; Co-Founder, Octane

Biren Mehta, Vice President, Venture Investments, Johnson & Johnson

Mignon Xu, Associate, Bold Capital Partners

PANEL

AI in Action: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Today

Highlighting the innovative spirit of local businesses in Orange County as they integrate AI into their operations for local and global impact.

Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, Chief Intelligence and Innovations Officer, Children’s Hospital of Orange County; Founder, AIMed (Moderator)

EXPERIENCE 

AWARD – Medical Innovation Prize

Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, Chief Intelligence and Innovations Officer, Children’s Hospital of Orange County; Founder, AIMed

EXPERIENCE 

Networking Break

CAPITAL & GROWTH

Octane Portfolio Companies

Emcee: 

Octane portfolio companies that have graduated from Octane’s LaunchPad accelerator sponsored by the SBDC will pitch their products to our investor ecosystem with key strategics and physicians.

Presenting Companies:

Judges:

People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice Winners Voting & Announcement!

EXPERIENCE

Lunch with Experts

PANEL

Going Global – Accessing Different Geographic Regions

Exploring the value of global expansion of medical startups and the critical role of diverse reimbursement strategies, clinical trial designs, and regulatory approvals. Hear from industry pioneers as they share insights into navigating the complexities of entering new markets and adapting to regional healthcare systems. Learn how tailored reimbursement
approaches can drive success, foster innovation, and enhance patient access to cutting-edge medical solutions across different countries. Engage with experts to understand the challenges and opportunities in scaling medical startups on a global stage.

Timothy Pratt, Executive Director and Global Head Medical Device & Diagnostics Research, ICON

Mohammad E. Kondri, MPH, MBA, Sr. International Business Development Officer, Trade Commissioner, Life Sciences, Consulate General of Canada

Yosuke Matsubara, PhD, PMP, Senior Manager of Business Development & License Department, Teijin Pharma Ltd.

Chi Tran, Officer-in-Charge, Hong Kong Trade Development Council

FAST PITCH

Octane LaunchPad SBDC Companies

Five companies will present ten-minute presentations on the main stage.

EXPERIENCE 

Afternoon Break

PANEL

Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Frameworks in AI-Driven Healthcare

Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the ethical implications of AI adoption in healthcare, including issues of bias, privacy, and data security. Examine existing regulatory frameworks and policy considerations for AI-driven healthcare solutions, and explore strategies for ensuring responsible and equitable deployment.

Moderator: Sharief Taraman, MD, DABPN, DABPM, FAAP, CEO, Cognoa

Yu Zhao, Founder & President, Bridging Consulting

PANEL

Digital Therapeutics: Honing in on Mental Health

Exploring the transformative impact of digital therapeutics in mental health. Highlighting the latest innovations, evidence-based approaches, and real-world applications of digital tools designed to enhance mental health care. Discover how technology is shaping personalized treatment plans, improving accessibility, and driving positive outcomes for patients.

Phillip Franks, CEO, BeWell OC

Andrea Mander, MAS-PHM, Executive Vice President, Open Minds

EXPERIENCE

Closing Comments: Charting the Future of Healthcare Innovation with AI

EXPERIENCE

Community Impact Celebration & Reception