From Academic Research to Global Biotech Entrepreneurship
When groundbreaking research meets the right business support, stories like CanCelGo’s can happen.
CanCelGo is a venture based on research from Bar-Ilan University, led by Prof. Hava Gil-Chen (Medicine) and Prof. Yarden Tashil (Chemistry). The venture is developing an innovative approach to inhibiting the progression of metastatic breast cancer – one of the most significant challenges in oncology today. It combines excellent science with substantial application potential, aiming to advance a solution that could address a major unmet medical need.
Joining the Nucleate Activator Program
As part of its efforts to advance the commercialization of breakthrough technologies, BIRAD – Bar-Ilan University’s technology transfer company – identified the venture’s potential and supported the team over several years. This included securing funding to advance the technology through the “KAMIN” program of the Israel Innovation Authority, and recommending that Prof. Tashil apply to the Nucleate Activator track – an international program for early-stage biotech entrepreneurs that connects researchers, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors, helping turn scientific discoveries into ventures with real business potential.
Indeed, the venture was one of just six projects (out of 50) accepted into the program. Over six months, Prof. Tashil led CanCelGo through an intensive schedule that included mentorship from leading industry mentors, work on business strategy, product-market fit, a commercialization model, fundraising, and storytelling – foundational building blocks on the path from academic research to a biotech venture. All of this was carried out alongside business mentor Dr. Naomi Zak, who brings decades of experience in the biotech and pharma sectors. “Thanks to our connection with BIRAD, we gained ‘quality time’ with experts in Israel and abroad through the Activator program, and in a short time built a business network of tremendous importance in advancing the venture,” summarized Prof. Tashil.
First Place at Demo Day
The effort paid off: CanCelGo won first place at the program’s Demo Day, an achievement reflecting the quality of the science, the research team’s vision, and their ability to build a compelling business value proposition around it.
“One of the central challenges in knowledge commercialization isn’t just identifying excellent research, but building the right path for it to reach the market. CanCelGo is a great example of the combination of quality science, a committed team, and entrepreneurial thinking. Participating in Nucleate gave the venture tools, connections, and international exposure that are propelling it to the next stage, and we’re proud to be part of this journey.”
Dr. Asaf Shagiv, VP Business Development, BIRAD
Next Stop: The Nucleate Global Summit in Dallas
CanCelGo’s next stop will be the Nucleate Global Summit in Dallas, where the venture will be presented to an international community of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors.
BIRAD congratulates Prof. Yarden Tashil, Prof. Hava Gil-Chen, Dr. Naomi Zak, the research team, and everyone who supported the journey, and wishes them continued great success.
At BIRAD, we believe that knowledge commercialization is about far more than filing patents – it’s about building the path that lets excellent research reach the place where it can truly make an impact.
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