In this special feature, we spotlight two remarkable alumni who have transitioned from academic success to entrepreneurial triumph. Miles Massidda and James Clarke, both graduates of UT, have recently launched Longhorn Life Sciences, a groundbreaking MedTech venture led by a strong and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs at UT Austin and MD Anderson. Their mission is to develop needs-driven medical technology to improve patient outcomes and experiences. With their shared vision, determination, and innovative spirit, they are not only disrupting their industry but also inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. In this exclusive interview, we dive into their journey and the lessons they’ve learned since embarking on this exciting new chapter of their lives.

Miles was born just outside of Boston and grew up as the oldest of 3 kids in suburban Massachusetts. Miles received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Boston University in 2018, during which he learned of his passion for medical research and product development. After BU, he immediately joined UT Austin’s biomedical engineering department to pursue his Ph.D. During his doctoral studies at UT, Miles became involved in several biomedical innovation programs. These included Texas Venture Labs and Texas Biodesign, which paired up teams of UT Austin researchers and MD Anderson clinicians to observe clinical needs and brainstorm potential solutions. Here, Miles met the other Longhorn Life Sciences (LLS) co-founders like James Clarke and devised their product, the iDetect Wound Monitoring System. Miles graduated with his Ph.D. in July 2023 and now works as a Research Scientist for a medical device company, Vigilant Biosciences, in addition to his continued efforts with LLS. In his free time, he enjoys playing ice hockey (Yes, in Austin TX), running long distance, exploring nature, and spending time with his girlfriend, Catherine. Miles is driven by his competitive spirit and excitement for discovery and is extremely grateful for his mentors and his team at LLS and their bright future ahead.

James is the co-founder and CSO of Longhorn Life Sciences where he leads research and device prototyping efforts. James earned his PhD in Physics at UT Austin where he studied the role of feedback and control theory in life – working to uncover fundamental design principles that will platform bio-inspired materials of the future. He previously worked with Thermo Fisher Scientific, developed novel failure analysis applications to support the semiconductor industry, holding two patents from his work in this field. James is dedicated to using his scientific, and business acumen to drive continued impact in the biotechnology sector throughout his career.

What TVL programs and/or events did you participate in?
TVL Practicum: My first introduction to entrepreneurship was the TVL Practicum, which I participated in as an Associate in 2020, then as a Project Principal in 2021.
TVL Investment Competition: I competed in the TVLIC with my co-founder, James Clarke, 3 separate times during my doctoral program. We were awarded $45,000 total across all competitions – and this funding has been absolutely crucial for getting our venture started!

What are you most looking forward to getting out of the Accelerator this Spring?
I am super excited to participate in the TVL Accelerator from the other side (as a company), after taking the course twice as a grad student. We have some high-priority projects that we are hoping to complete to improve our positioning with investors. I look forward to working with a multidisciplinary team and receiving some new and innovative ideas for how to tackle these challenges.

What was your favorite moment/ do you have a standout memory from your time with TVL?
Aside from winning TVLIC, I really enjoyed the face-to-face time that myself and my team received with the company founders during the TVL Accelerator. I learned a lot of lessons about the challenges of running a startup, time management, task delegation, and leadership – and this experience inspired me to co-found LLS and continue to seek out entrepreneurial pursuits.

What are you currently pursuing now?
I work as a Senior R&D Scientist at another early-stage medical device company, Vigilant Biosciences, located just outside of Austin. We are currently pursuing FDA and EU IVDR approval, and this has been a significant challenge and learning experience in its own right. I also still serve as the CEO of LLS, with most of my current efforts revolving around raising funds – through non-dilutive government grant programs and equity investments with VCs/Angel Networks.

Thank you to Longhorn Life Sciences for agreeing be apart of this feature!

To follow Longhorn Life Sciences on their journey, follow these links here:

LLS website: https://longhornlifesciences.com/

LLS linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90430024/admin/dashboard/