Key points from article :
The Longevity Biotech Fellowship, launched by On Deck, offers a comprehensive support system for individuals aiming to create startups in the longevity and anti-ageing biotech space. This unique program targets aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and academics by embedding them in a collaborative community where they gain hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders. Mentors like David Sinclair, Laura Deming, and George Church guide participants through challenges in ageing and regenerative medicine, helping them avoid common pitfalls in this complex field.
The fellowship's program includes seminars, mastermind groups, networking events, and pitch sessions, providing participants with a holistic toolkit to develop their ideas into viable businesses. Founding Fellows, such as Marco Quarta of Rubedo Life Science and Kristen Fortney of BioAge Labs, contribute valuable expertise to participants, sharing insights on scientific advancements, funding strategies, and long-term goals in longevity biotechnology. These mentors highlight the need for perseverance, advising fellows to focus on meaningful innovations without being sidetracked by commercial pressures.
Initiated by Erik Torenberg, co-founder of On Deck, and program director Nathan Cheng, the Fellowship addresses a gap in the anti-ageing sector: the lack of founders with specialized knowledge in longevity. It offers a pathway for mission-driven individuals to gain industry access, especially those who may lack initial resources or networks. Costing $2,990 per year ($1,490 for academics), the program aims to run three cohorts annually, largely online, with optional in-person events in key biotech hubs.
Overall, the Longevity Biotech Fellowship is a proactive step in fostering the next wave of longevity biotech startups, aiming to advance healthspan and lifespan through innovation.
