WIB-Pittsburgh: P.O.W.E.R. 2024 – Robotics in Biotech

On October 2, 2024, WIB-Pittsburgh hosted its 12th annual signature event, P.O.W.E.R. (Pittsburgh Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs Rally), at Alloy 26 on Pittsburgh’s North Side. This year’s event brought together over 100 attendees for an evening of inspiring discussion, networking, and innovation, featuring leading women at the interface of the biotech and robotics industries. The panel included Kalavati Bhashyam, Sr. Director, Hardware Engineering – Robotics & Enabling Technologies at Smith and Nephew; Candice Caputo, COO at Humotech; Lynne Frick, President and CEO at Cell X Technologies; and Chelsea Marsh, Head of Hardware Engineering and Director of Device Research at Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Moderated by Megan Shaw, President and CEO at Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance, the panel delved into how robotics is transforming the biotech industry, enhancing quality and productivity, and opening up new opportunities for innovation. The perspectives discussed by the panelists covered the growing demand and adoption for robotic surgical devices (Smith and Nephew’s CORI orthopedic surgical robotic system), automation in cell and gene therapy manufacturing ensuring scalability of complex personalized regenerative therapies allowing easier patient access (Cell X technologies), automation in quality testing and life cycle management of medical devices (Bayer’s Injector Devices), as well as spotlight on high-performance robotic prostheses and exoskeletons for research, development, rehabilitation, and evaluation (Humotech). The panel discussion also brought together perspectives from entrepreneurial companies and highlighted innovation within large companies that are tapping into the potential of automation and robotics.

The event kicked off with networking over food and drinks, where attendees also had the opportunity to interact with students from BrainSTEM Learning, a nonprofit organization supporting STEM education. The students showcased their impressive robotics projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities and addressing environmental challenges. It was also impressive to see middle and high schoolers utilize engineering concepts and design robots to compete at regional, state, and national levels through FIRST youth robotics challenges. Current Young Women In Bio (YWIB) Ambassadors were also in attendance and had an opportunity to interact with professionals and leaders.

WIB-Pittsburgh Chapter Chair Parul Nisha opened the evening with exciting news—the City of Pittsburgh officially recognized October 2, 2024, as Women In Bio Day, a proclamation sponsored by the City Council and initiated by Councilman Bobby Wilson. Mayor Ed Gainey’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Felicity Williams, joined in person to represent the Mayor’s administration and commended WIB-Pittsburgh for its dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the life sciences. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s office also sponsored a proclamation commending the work being done by WIB-Pittsburgh. Lisa Witte, Senior Vice President and President of Thermo Fisher Scientific's customer channels group was awarded the prestigious 2024 P.O.W.E.R. Award for her transformative leadership in the life sciences industry and her long-standing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity.

During the panel discussion, the speakers shared their career journeys and how robotics has propelled their companies. They also discussed resources available for Pittsburgh startups, such as accelerator programs, university partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. The panel also addressed common concerns around robotics, including fears about job displacement and safety in healthcare. They emphasized that robotics enhances efficiency, enables minimally invasive surgeries, and helps create more affordable drugs—ultimately improving healthcare access. Additional topics covered included advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, how companies can maintain jobs in the US, and the future of robotics in biotech, particularly in relation to AI and cybersecurity. The audience had the opportunity to ask insightful questions, further enriching the conversation with topics such as the FDA’s support for startups, challenges in attracting talent, and how technical founders can successfully start their own businesses. The event was a powerful demonstration of how WIB-Pittsburgh continues to foster connections and inspire the next generation of leaders in life sciences and biotech.

Submitted by Vonya Eisinger