Inhalable, Room-Temp, Needle-Free: Immuno‑Nanomed's Vaccine Moonshot

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan, CEO and founder of ImmunoNanoMed, to explore a moonshot innovation: a dry-powder, needle-free vaccine platform called "powder wax" that's inhaled through the nose. Balaji explains how their particle-based technology could deliver stronger, faster mucosal immunity right where respiratory pathogens take hold, improve protection against variants, and eliminate the cold chain—potentially slashing costs and enabling at-home, self-administered vaccination. He also shares how the platform could multiplex vaccines (think flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia) and extend to companion animals and even livestock and poultry via mass-vaccination approaches, with an eye toward DIVA compatibility and safeguarding human health supply chains. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/immunonanomed... 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Balaji traces the technology's origins to a Seahawk collaboration between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, then details ImmunoNanoMed's path from lab success to commercialization: building a cross-functional team, partnering with CROs to get FDA-ready, pursuing scalable, high-quality manufacturing, and engaging potential big-pharma partners—all targeted over the next 6–18 months. He reflects on Iowa's innovation ecosystem (Startup Factory, I-Corps, IEDA, InnoVenture) and why he's committed to proving world-class health tech can emerge from the Midwest. The episode closes with personal notes on mentors, teamwork, and family, plus a call for collaborators. Learn more or get in touch at immunonanomed.com. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Immuno Ed's Innovative Vaccine Technology 02:14 Advantages of Powder Wax Technology 04:18 Potential Applications and Impact 07:25 Journey and Collaborations 15:39 Challenges and Future Steps 18:30 Why Iowa? 22:04 Personal Inspirations and Family 25:04 Conclusion and Contact Information