The $100M Journey from Discovery to Device

Episode 039 of the Badass Leaders Podcast with guest Nassir Mokarram

In this thought-provoking conversation, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Dr. Nasir Mokarram to explore what it takes to translate groundbreaking science into real-world solutions. From developing a tumor-guiding medical device for brain cancer (GBM) to shaping the future of venture investments at Emory University, Dr. Mokarram shares his journey from researcher to entrepreneur to investor—and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, they discuss how to bridge the gap between academic discovery and commercialization, the role of AI in healthcare innovation, and the future of universities, leadership, and entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world. This episode is a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership.

Key Topics:

• Brain Cancer Breakthroughs: How a revolutionary device guides tumors out of the brain to enable continuous treatment and monitoring.
• Translational Science: What it really takes to move medical research from Nature publications to human clinical trials.
• University Innovation Models: How academia can evolve to reward scientists for commercialization, not just publication.
• Entrepreneurship in Academia: Why not every scientist should be a CEO—and how to build the right team for success.
• Intellectual Property & Funding: Why IP protection is critical for attracting investors and translating discoveries to market.
• AI in Healthcare: How artificial intelligence could cut costs, accelerate trials, and reshape the biotech landscape.
• The Future of Higher Education: Will universities survive the rise of ChatGPT, TikTok learning, and problem-based education?
• Leadership vs. Management: The key traits that separate visionary leaders from effective managers.
• Diversity, Inclusion & Innovation: Why different worldviews and experiences make for stronger, more creative teams.
• Building Atlanta’s Innovation Ecosystem: Why Georgia Tech, Emory, and the South are the next frontier for biotech and venture growth.

Questions Answered: How can universities reward innovation and entrepreneurship? How can AI lower the cost of drug and device development? Why is IP protection essential for healthcare startups? How can academia and industry work together more effectively? What can Atlanta learn from Silicon Valley’s startup evolution? How do we train the next generation of entrepreneurial scientists? What does the future of higher education look like in the AI era?

Today’s guest is Dr. Nassir Mokarram—an academic leader, biotech entrepreneur, and innovation strategist shaping the future of science and commercialization. He is the co-founder and inventor behind Exvade Bioscience, the Executive Director of the Emory BioFoundry Institute, an Associate Professor at Emory, and Director of Venture Capital Investments at Emory Investment Management. Nassir works at the intersection of biotechnology, university innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture investing, where he’s helping redefine how academic discoveries become real-world impact. Based in Atlanta, he’s passionate about unlocking the region’s innovation potential and building a stronger ecosystem where research, industry, and leadership come together to create meaningful change

Learn more about Nassir Mokarram:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nassir-mokarram-5b966017/

Mentioned in this episode:

• Biolocity (Georgia Tech x Emory): https://biolocity.gatech.edu/ 
• Investment: The Last Liberal Art by Robert Hagstrom: https://amzn.to/3WCJmZT 
• Golden Goose Award – Celebrating basic research that transforms society. https://www.goldengooseaward.org/ 
• Nature Materials – Journal where the Tumor Monorail research was published:  https://www.nature.com/nmat/
• BBC Article: “Tumor Monorail” – Coverage of the research. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/tumour-monorail-on-the-fast-track-for-human-trials

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.

Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

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Want to be a Podcast Guest?

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Keywords: biomedical innovation, brain cancer research, GBM device, translational medicine, entrepreneurship in academia, Emory University, Georgia Tech innovation, AI in healthcare, leadership podcast, university commercialization, intellectual property, venture capital in biotech, startup ecosystem Atlanta, academic entrepreneurship, medical device innovation, Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms, Nasir Mokarram, higher education future, leadership vs management, biotech funding strategy