Lab Automators: Humans Behind Automation

​Lab Automators, Mindvyne, and TINS are teaming up to host an evening focused on the people behind automated science. This event is part of Lab Automators’ growing effort to support and connect the community working at the intersection of biology, robotics, and software.

​Lab Automators exists to make lab automation more accessible, transparent, and collaborative. Through open knowledge sharing, curated content, and in-person events, they are helping the industry solve common problems faster and build better tools together. This gathering is a continuation of that mission, offering space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and meet others solving similar challenges.

​We will kick off the evening with a panel exploring what it means to build a career in this space, how teams are evolving, and what opportunities are opening up as lab automation becomes more central to research and development. The rest of the evening will be dedicated to open networking over drinks and light bites.

​Schedule

​6:00 - 6:30 pm
Check-in and networking

​6:30 - 7:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities for Lab Automation Employees

​This discussion will touch on hiring trends, workplace dynamics, and how automation professionals are growing alongside the tools they build and maintain.

​Moderator

• ​Sidharth Sirdeshmukh - Senior Research Associate @ Dewpoint Therapeutics

​Panelists

• ​Crystal McKinnon - Principal CSS @ HighRes Biosolutions

• ​Shelby Newsad - Partner @ Compound

• ​Ashwin Pillai - Principal Scientist, Automation Lead @ Valo Health

​7:00 - 9:00 pm
Networking over lite bites and drinks

​Whether you are building systems, running them, or just starting out, this is an opportunity to connect with a group that is shaping the future of lab operations.

​Sponsors

​Opentrons
Opentrons Labworks, Inc., is a disruptive life science company accelerating innovation in research and healthcare through its integrated lab platform. Opentrons has raised over $200 million in funding and achieved unicorn status based on its innovative technologies. The Opentrons Flex® is Opentrons’ newest generation of liquid-handling lab robots, offering accessibility and compatibility with generative AI tools. Opentrons Robotics provides thousands of institutions with flexible, easy-to-use lab robots, automating R&D operations and making a vast open-source protocol library accessible to life sciences researchers worldwide. Opentrons is used in labs at the top 20 academic universities in the US and 14 of 15 leading global biopharmaceutical companies. Learn more at https://opentrons.com/.

​Automata
Automata helps life sciences labs scale with LINQ, a fully integrated automation platform built for throughput, reproducibility, and flexibility.
LINQ Bench is a modular, configurable hardware system that adapts to any lab layout, with plate transport options to match throughput needs.
LINQ Cloud simplifies automation with faster workflow creation, intuitive run management, and seamless integration. It includes a no-code Workflow Canvas, a Python SDK for advanced users, and real-time oversight through Run Manager.
From setup to daily use, Automata provides expert support to ensure smooth integration and reliable performance.

​Copia Scientific
Copia Scientific provides high-quality refurbished automation systems to help labs get the tools they need without overextending their budget. They focus on sustainable solutions that extend the life and impact of scientific instruments.

​Organizers

​Lab Automators
Lab Automators is a community-driven initiative dedicated to making lab automation more open, transparent, and collaborative. By sharing playbooks, curating expert insights, and organizing events, Lab Automators helps engineers, scientists, and operators solve shared problems, accelerate innovation, and shape the future of automated science.

​Mindvyne
Mindvyne is redefining how science professionals connect. Through curated events and a growing digital platform, Mindvyne helps researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders discover relevant events, grow their networks, and find new opportunities for collaboration. From private dinners to global summits, Mindvyne is building a more connected scientific community. The current version of our web app centralizes science events happening around the world, with over 2,000 events currently listed. Check it out here.

​TINS (Technology Innovation Studio)
TINS is a creative studio that partners with scientists, engineers, and innovators to bring bold ideas to life. Through storytelling, design, and technical strategy, TINS helps turn complex concepts into clear, impactful narratives that accelerate innovation.