Inside Eli Lilly and Company: An Expert Panel Discussion
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion that brings you inside the walls of one of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies. This session will feature leaders from across Eli Lilly and Company’s diverse business units—including Genetic Medicine, Lilly Ventures, Gateway Labs, ExploR&D, Catalyze360, and more—each offering unique perspectives on how Lilly champions early-stage innovation.
Designed for Grand Challenge applicants, mentors, and Principal Investigators, this session will spotlight Lilly’s multifaceted approach to supporting translational science and biotech entrepreneurship. We’ll explore how these teams evaluate emerging technologies, partner with early-stage ventures, and drive progress in areas like therapeutics, diagnostics, and women's health—including a special guest from Lilly WILL, the company’s initiative focused on advancing women’s health innovation.
Panelists include:
Erica Kuchinski, Assoc. VP-COO, Lilly Genetic Medicines
Jim MacKrell, VP & Global Head, Lilly Ventures
Ryan Leenay, Assoc. VP, Lilly Genetic Medicines
Vanessa Barth, AVP, Regional Head US, Lilly Gateway Labs
Lacie Tindall, Sr. Director HCP Education & Thought Leader Engagement, Chair of Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly
Please note: Our originally scheduled info session with Dr. Julie Saba has been rescheduled for June 18th, you can RSVP here!
Whether you're actively applying to the Grand Challenge or simply curious about how pharma giants like Lilly work with startups, this is your chance to gain practical guidance, ask questions, and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of biotech.
About the Grand Challenge:
The 2025 Eli Lilly and Company Grand Challenge event will take place at Lilly’s headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. Selected participants will be invited to network with Lilly executives and scientists and compete for $100,000 USD in non-dilutive grant funding.
Focus areas for this year's Challenge span Women's Health and Genetic Medicines, with 6 subtracks include autoimmune disease, cardiometabolic disease, reproductive health, neuroscience, delivery technologies, and regenerative medicine. Finalists will gain direct access to Lilly’s scientific and business expertise.
Researchers interested in being considered should submit their proposals at lilly.nucleate.org before June 27th, 2025, and check out our LinkTree for the most updated information!
Applicants at all stages of technology development are encouraged to apply! Affiliation with Nucleate is not an application prerequisite. International teams are welcome to apply.
About the Host:
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.xyz for more information, and visit https://nucleate.xyz/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.
We want to thank our HQ supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!
Platinum: Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, MilliporeSigma
Philanthropic Support: Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Preferred Partners: Pillar VC, Amino Collective, Excedr, Mercury, Brex, Fedsprout
In-Kind Support: AcademicLabs, Lens.org, SynBioBeta