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- Date: March 11, 2026
- Location: Portal Innovations, Inside Science Square Labs
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Speakers
Ashley Galanti
Organization: AMG Detection
Ashley Galanti, PhD is a biomedical engineer, entrepreneur, and the Founder and CEO of AMG Detection, a University of Georgia spin-out focused on developing the first wearable device capable of predicting seizures 10–45 minutes before they occur. Unlike existing seizure detection technologies that rely solely on physiological signals and often suffer from high false-positive rates, AMG Detection’s platform integrates a novel biosensor array with custom machine-learning algorithms to identify early biochemical changes associated with seizure onset and classify seizure type.
Ashley earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Georgia, where she also completed a BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, a BA in Journalism & Mass Communication, a minor in Spanish, and a graduate certificate in Entrepreneurship. She remains highly hands-on across all aspects of AMG Detection, from sensor design and algorithm development to regulatory strategy and commercialization. Ashley’s work is deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed her mother and brother experience unpredictable seizures, shaping her lifelong mission to improve safety, independence, and quality of life for people with epilepsy. She began seizure prediction research in high school and has spent nearly ten years advancing this work across academic, clinical, and commercial settings.
Stephan Jackman
Organization: Alzamend Neuro
Stephan Jackman brings over 20 years of leadership in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a strong record in financing, scaling companies through clinical development, leading public offerings, and building strategic partnerships. He has advanced therapeutic programs from early research to late-stage clinical trials, delivering stakeholder value through alliances and high-performing teams. Key achievements include managing $100 million P&L budgets and executing $500 million projects.
Since November 2018, Mr. Jackman has served as Chief Executive Officer of Alzamend Neuro, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALZN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. Elected director in September 2020, he has driven pipeline progress in lithium-based therapeutics and immunotherapies for safer, more effective options in neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.
Yogi Patel
Organization: TopoDx
Yogi A. Patel, PhD is a bioengineer and MedTech entrepreneur dedicated to transforming academic innovation into scalable, venture-funded medical devices and diagnostic platforms that bridge the gap between science and patient care. His expertise lies in startup governance, technology translation, team building, fundraising, and regulatory strategy—turning university research into commercial products adopted in real-world clinical settings.
As Co-Founder & CEO of TopoDx, a venture-backed company, Yogi is driving the next generation of AI-powered infectious disease diagnostics. The platform enables automated, touch-free triage, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)—reducing diagnostic turnaround from days to hours.
As Co-Founder & CEO of Focused Cryo, another venture-backed company, Yogi leads the development and commercialization of a precision cryoablation and cryoneurolysis platform that delivers temperature-controlled, image-guided treatments for tumors and nerves. This technology enables interventional radiologists, surgeons, and pain management physicians to perform safer, more effective, and more targeted therapies.
Across his ventures, he has led R&D, product development, FDA 510(k) submissions, reimbursement strategy, and capital raises. He focuses on the usability and real-world embodiment of innovation—ensuring new technologies fit seamlessly into clinical workflows and deliver measurable clinical and economic impact.
Michelle Ross
Organization: Stempoint
Michelle is the Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Managing Partner of StemPoint Capital. She has over two decades of experience in healthcare investing covering public and private markets. Most recently, Michelle was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Sphera Global Healthcare and Sphera Biotech Fund (2016-2022), managing approximately $1 billion in AUM at its peak in the fourth quarter of 2020. Previously, she spent three years at PointState Capital (2013-2016) as a Vice President covering the Biotherapeutics and Medical Technology sectors.
Prior to that, Michelle was a global healthcare sector analyst at Soros Fund Management (2006-2013) and worked at Ursus Capital (2004-2005) covering the biopharmaceuticals industry. Michelle earned her B.S. in Biology at Stern College and earned her M.A. in Biotechnology from Columbia University where her thesis focused on Hematology and Molecular Medicine.
Sean Simon
Organization: Soundlink
Mr. Simon is a Co-Founder of Soundlink Partners and now serves as Co-President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Soundlink Partners as well as a Managing Director at Infinity. Mr. Simon draws from his deep experience in various senior roles in the hedge fund and alternative investment industry. Previously, Mr. Simon was President and Co-Founder of Black Capital, a long/short asset management firm. At Black Capital, Mr. Simon was responsible for building the firm’s infrastructure, creating the business and marketing strategy, recruiting, and overseeing all non-investment operations. Prior to Black Capital, Mr. Simon served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ivy Asset Management, a global hedge fund-of-funds firm with offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Mr. Simon spent over fourteen years at Ivy in various roles including: Co-President, Global Head of Client Development, Head of North America Client Development, and Research Analyst. In addition, during his tenure at Ivy, Mr. Simon served on the Executive Committee of BNY Mellon Asset Management, helping to set strategy and direction for the asset management division. Mr. Simon also served as a Director of the Managed Funds Association and Director on the council of the Alternative Investment Management Association. Prior to joining Ivy, Mr. Simon was an equity Research Associate at Credit Suisse First Boston and began his career as a Business Analyst for Allied Business Intelligence, a corporate consulting firm. Mr. Simon graduated from Boston University earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from its School of Management.
Harold Solomon
Organization: Quadrant-i
With over 13 years of experience at Georgia Tech Quadrant-i and at Emory BioFoundry Institute since 2024, Solomon focuses on deal sourcing, due diligence, and investor relations to support the development of life sciences startups. His work at Emory BioFoundry Institute involves funding startups that commercialize intellectual property from Emory and Georgia Tech labs, particularly in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. At Georgia Tech Quadrant-i, Solomon collaborates with faculty and students to identify business models aligned with their research, attract funding and business leadership with a focus on biotech and diagnostics.
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