Andrew Thompson, CEO and co-founder of the UK-based life science technology company SMi Systems, will be November’s featured speaker in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Innovative Leaders Lecture Series.
His lecture, “How do you turn a scientific idea into a successful life science company?” will occur at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, in Fulmer Hall, Room 201. Drawing on his experience as a researcher, drug discovery scientist, and entrepreneur, Thompson will share lessons from building a technology business at the interface of science and commerce.
Thompson will describe the journey from academic research to developing a patented single-molecule imaging platform designed to transform protein analysis through faster, higher-throughput, and more information-rich measurements. He will explore the challenges of commercializing scientific innovation, securing funding, building multidisciplinary teams, protecting intellectual property, and establishing operations in the UK and US.
The seminar will also examine the realities that extend beyond the laboratory, including recruitment, regulation, project management, investor expectations, and the demands of running a growing business. Combining scientific ambition with practical experience, he will share key lessons for researchers considering entrepreneurship and discuss what it takes to turn promising science into a viable product and sustainable enterprise.
Thompson is a British scientist with over 30 years’ experience spanning academic research, drug discovery, global health, and life science innovation. His career has focused on transforming drug discovery and diagnostics through highly sensitive, high-throughput molecular analysis. After completing his PhD in Neuropharmacology in 1997, Thompson spent 15 years at the University of Cambridge, leading research into drug screening and managing national and international research programs.
In 2018, Thompson co-founded SMi Systems as its chief executive officer. Under his leadership, SMi has secured more than £10 million in funding, developed patented single-molecule technologies, and undertaken commercial projects with global pharmaceutical and diagnostic partners.
The Innovative Leaders Lecture Series is sponsored by the WSU College of Arts and Sciences and the Washington Research Foundation.
