In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Llewellyn Cox, Executive Director of Corporate Relations for Life Science Innovations at USC, to explore a side of biotech that students and early-career professionals rarely hear about: the business of academic innovation.
With experience founding biotech incubators, advising startups, and now building partnerships between USC and industry, Llewellyn shares how universities are no longer just research institutions—they’re becoming active drivers of biotech growth. We dive into the evolving role of academia as a strategic player in funding, spinouts, and deal flow, and what that means for the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.
We cover:
How academic research gets translated into real biotech companies
What skills students need to thrive in innovation-focused roles
Why storytelling, relationship-building, and business literacy matter
The financial and cultural dynamics of bridging academia and industry
Why impact-driven careers often begin outside your job description
Whether you're a student exploring your future or a scientist thinking about what's next, this conversation offers practical, behind-the-scenes insight into how biotech careers are being shaped by university ecosystems.
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and learn how to think beyond the lab.