The Connect Current

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Debbie Chen, Founder and CEO of Hydrostasis, to explore how nontraditional journeys are shaping the next generation of innovation. Debbie shares how Hydrostasis is advancing hydration science through wearable technology, and why better understanding hydration as a vital sign could unlock new opportunities in health and performance. She also reflects on her own path into entrepreneurship and what it means to build from outside the traditional mold. This conversation is a thoughtful look at how lived experience, access, and perspective are expanding who gets to innovate and what gets built next in San Diego and beyond. Episode was recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market. Learn more about Hydrostasis: https://hydrostasis.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Adam Jacobs, President of Xzom, to explore how early disease detection and accessible diagnostics are shaping the future of health innovation. Adam shares how Xzom is building point-of-care solutions designed to make diagnostics faster and more accessible, and what it takes to stand out in a complex, competitive space. Drawing from his background in athletics and entrepreneurship, he also reflects on balancing commercial reality with mission-driven impact. This conversation offers a concise look at building meaningful health innovation in San Diego and turning big ideas into real-world solutions. Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market. Learn more about Xzom: https://xzom.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz is joined by Courtney Young, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of MyoGene Bio, one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies. MyoGene Bio is developing MyoDys45-55, an AAV-delivered CRISPR gene editing therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and devastating muscle wasting disease with no cure. Courtney traces her path from a high school moment, when her cousin Christopher was diagnosed with Duchenne, through graduate research at UCLA to co-founding MyoGene Bio alongside her advisors, Dr. Melissa Spencer and Dr. April Pyle. The conversation covers what makes the company's gene editing approach different, the realities of building a life science company led by three women scientists, and where gene therapies like this one most often get stuck on the path from lab to patients. The episode also looks at what MyoGene Bio's next chapter as a Connect 2026 Cool Company means for San Diego's life science ecosystem, and what kinds of partners, investors, or collaborators would be most helpful right now. Recorded at KILN Rancho Bernardo. Learn more about MyoGene Bio: https://www.myogenebio.com/ Learn more about Connect's 2026 Cool Companies: https://connect.org/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Graeme Rae, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of HyperKelp, to explore how the company is turning the ocean into a sensing network. Graeme shares how HyperKelp’s Kelp Smart Buoy is designed as an open marine platform that can carry a wide range of sensors and deliver ocean data in near real time for environmental, commercial, port, and defense applications. The conversation dives into Graeme’s journey from ocean engineering and Surfline to HyperKelp, what it takes to build hard technology that can survive at sea, and why the company’s next chapter as one of Connect’s 2026 Cool Companies reflects San Diego’s growing strength in ocean technology, dual-use innovation, and the blue economy. Recorded at Kiln Rancho Bernardo:https://kiln.com/communities/rancho-bernardo/ Learn more about HyperKelp:https://www.hyperkelp.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with James Mackay, Ph.D., President and CEO of Crystalys Therapeutics, to explore how the company is advancing a new treatment path for people living with gout. James shares how Crystalys is developing dotinurad, a next-generation, once-daily oral URAT1 inhibitor, and what the company’s recent $130 million Series B financing enables as it moves through late-stage global clinical development and commercialization preparation. The conversation dives into why gout remains an underserved treatment area, what it takes to execute at this stage of biotech development, and how experienced leadership, strong science, and committed capital can help move promising therapies closer to patients. Recorded at Kiln Rancho Bernardo:https://kiln.com/communities/rancho-bernardo/ Learn more about Crystalys Therapeutics:https://crystalystx.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Ramesh Ramji, Founder and CEO of SpectralTx, to explore how spectral hyperplexing technology could help reshape molecular screening and the future of connected data. Ramesh shares how SpectralTx is developing tools like Spectra-Gel and SpELs to improve encoding depth, speed and data fidelity, giving researchers richer information for drug discovery, diagnostics, deep learning and broader biotech innovation. The conversation dives into why better molecular screening matters, what it takes to build a deep tech life sciences platform, and how SpectralTx’s journey as a Connect Springboard Company reflects San Diego’s strength in turning complex science into real-world opportunity. Recorded at BioLabs San Diego: https://www.biolabs.io/san-diego/Learn more about SpectralTx: https://spectraltx.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Niren Shah, PharmD, MBA, Co-founder and CEO of Cove Therapeutics, to explore one of the biggest challenges in genetic medicine: delivery. Niren shares how Cove is developing non-lipid, non-viral biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles designed to overcome key limitations in the field, including efficiency, safety, manufacturing, redosing, and larger genetic payloads. The conversation dives into Cove’s platform approach, what it takes to build a biotech company around difficult science, and why the company’s next chapter as one of Connect’s 2026 Cool Companies reflects the strength of San Diego’s growing life sciences ecosystem.Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market:https://parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/Learn more about Cove Therapeutics:https://covetx.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Stanley Lewis, MD, MPH, Founder and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, to explore how targeted cancer therapies can create better options for patients facing difficult diseases. Stanley shares the story behind A28’s targeted oncolytic peptide platform, the company’s lead candidate AT-101, and what it takes to move a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company from scientific promise toward real-world impact. The conversation dives into patient need, treatment burden, clinical development, capital, partnerships, and why A28’s next chapter as one of Connect’s 2026 Cool Companies reflects the strength of San Diego’s growing life sciences ecosystem.Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market:https://parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/Learn more about A28 Therapeutics:https://www.a28tx.com/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Scott Tait to explore how San Diego can better connect national security needs, university research, dual-use startups, capital, and policy into a stronger innovation system. Drawing on his 27-year Navy career and his work across Lumetec, Startup Science, and the National Security Innovation Catalyst at UC San Diego, Scott shares what it takes to move promising technology from concept to real-world mission impact. The conversation dives into San Diego’s unique national security advantage, where founders and researchers often get stuck, and how stronger pathways between government, academia, startups, industry, and investors can help accelerate innovation that matters. Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market:https://parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/ Learn more about Lumetec:https://www.lumetec.com/Learn more about the National Security Innovation Catalyst at UC San Diego:https://nsic.ucsd.edu/

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Kris Lichter, CEO of TL Foundation, to explore a different approach to investing in innovation. The conversation dives into how TL Foundation is transforming philanthropic capital into long-term investment in San Diego startups, creating an evergreen model that reinvests success back into the region. Kris shares what makes a company a strong fit for the fund, what founders should know before seeking investment, and why building a stronger innovation economy takes founders, investors, donors, and community leaders working together toward long-term impact. Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market: https://parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/Learn more about TL Foundation: http://sandiegotlf.org

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Abubakar "Abu" Jalloh, Site Director of BioLabs San Diego, to explore the infrastructure, community, and support systems that help life science startups move faster. Abu shares how BioLabs San Diego helps early-stage biotech companies access lab space, equipment, operational resources, and strategic connections without the cost and complexity of building everything from scratch. The conversation explores why physical infrastructure matters so much in life sciences, where founders most often get stuck, and how strong ecosystems help promising science become viable companies. From shared laboratory models to investor engagement and community-building, this episode offers a look at the often-overlooked foundation that helps biotech innovation move from concept to commercialization in San Diego’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Gian Luca Araldi, PhD, PharmD, MBA, PMP and Founder/CEO of Avanti Biosciences, to explore the challenge of developing new therapies for fibrotic diseases and what it takes to advance promising science toward the clinic. Gian Luca shares how Avanti Biosciences is developing novel small-molecule therapies for conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an area of significant unmet medical need. The conversation explores the long path from discovery to clinical development, the role of regulatory milestones and non-dilutive funding, and why translating scientific insight into patient impact requires both innovation and disciplined execution. As one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies, Avanti represents the next generation of San Diego life sciences companies working to turn breakthrough research into meaningful therapeutic opportunities. This episode offers a look at the intersection of biotech innovation, drug development, and the future of precision medicine.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Trevor Laudate, Co-Founder of Ecodrive, to explore how businesses can turn everyday customer actions into measurable environmental impact. Trevor shares how Ecodrive helps companies connect purchases, bookings, signups, and other customer interactions to verified sustainability initiatives, making it easier to create meaningful impact while building trust and engagement. The conversation explores why transparency matters in sustainability, how businesses can avoid vague environmental claims, and why verification is becoming increasingly important to customers. As one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies, Ecodrive represents a growing wave of startups using technology to align business growth with measurable positive impact. This episode offers a practical look at the intersection of sustainability, customer experience, and mission-driven innovation.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Ivana Mikić, PhD, CEO of Sarpeda Inc., to explore how AI is helping researchers unlock more value from the biological imaging tools they already use. Ivana shares how Sarpeda is using AI-powered software to improve fluorescence microscopy, reduce imaging challenges, and extract more biological information from existing research workflows. The conversation explores why better imaging matters for scientific discovery, what practical AI looks like in life sciences, and how researchers can gain deeper insights without costly infrastructure changes. As one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies, Sarpeda represents a new generation of startups applying advanced technology to real-world scientific challenges. This episode offers a look at the intersection of AI, biology, commercialization, and the future of research innovation.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Aadeel Akhtar, Founder and CEO of Psyonic, to explore how advanced robotics and human-centered technology are reshaping the future of prosthetics and mobility. The conversation dives into Aadeel’s journey from research and engineering into company building, the mission behind Psyonic’s work, and how innovation can create more accessible, responsive, and life-changing solutions for people around the world. This episode also explores the intersection of AI, hardware, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, along with what it takes to build breakthrough technology with real human impact.

In this special episode of The Connect Current, Tre Braquet flips the script and interviews Connect CEO James Zanewicz about the vision behind Connect 3.0 and the future of San Diego’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation explores how Connect is evolving beyond events to become a front door, connective platform, and amplification engine for founders, investors, universities, companies, and civic leaders across the region. James breaks down the organization’s Pathways, Proof, and Platform framework, why ecosystem access matters more than ever, and how partners can think differently about visibility, relationships, and long-term innovation impact in San Diego.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Mike Krenn, Managing Director of Prebys Ventures, to explore what investors are really looking for in founders and early-stage companies. The conversation dives into how Prebys Ventures is approaching investment in San Diego’s innovation economy, what makes a company truly investable, and where founders most often struggle when raising capital. Mike also shares practical insight on how entrepreneurs can present themselves more effectively, build stronger investor conversations, and better position their companies for long-term growth and impact.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Hala Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation at San Diego State University, to explore how universities can play a larger role in helping founders build and scale companies. The conversation dives into SDSU’s growing strengths across AI, National Security, technology, workforce development, and applied research, along with how startups can better engage with university talent, research, and partnerships. Hala also shares her perspective on connecting innovation to real-world impact and why stronger collaboration between academia, startups, and industry is critical to San Diego’s future innovation economy.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Will Bright, Founder and CEO of Saferide.ai, to explore how personal experience can shape meaningful innovation. Will shares the journey that led to building a company focused on safety and mobility, and how lived insight can translate into real world solutions. The conversation highlights what it takes to turn an idea into action, the challenges of building with purpose, and the role of technology in creating safer, more connected communities. This episode offers a grounded look at how founders can transform personal perspective into lasting impact.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena, to explore how leaders are navigating one of the largest workforce transformations in decades. As AI rapidly reshapes how work gets done, Holly shares what it takes to upskill teams, stay competitive, and lead responsibly through change. The conversation dives into where organizations are falling behind, what effective AI adoption actually looks like, and the growing responsibility leaders have to develop talent while protecting long term value. This episode offers a clear, practical lens on leadership in an AI driven world.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Dr. Garrett Smith and Dr. Nick Mourlas of Reef Haven Ventures to unpack what it really takes to move from strong science to a scalable, investable company. The conversation is built for founders, offering a clear look into how early-stage investors evaluate opportunities, what separates compelling research from a real business, and how teams can position themselves for meaningful conversations with capital. From first impressions to pitch strategy, this episode provides practical insight into how venture firms think, what stands out, and where founders most often miss the mark.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Rachel Costello to explore the intersection of innovation, execution, and real-world impact. Rachel shares her journey into company building, the insights that shaped her perspective, and what it takes to move from idea to meaningful traction. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities founders face today, along with a candid look at how experience, adaptability, and ecosystem support all play a role in building something that lasts.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Rupak Doshi, Co-founder and CEO of OmniSync, to explore how better systems can accelerate innovation. Rupak shares how OmniSync is helping founders and organizations navigate funding, market intelligence, and commercialization through AI-powered tools, and why the path from idea to traction is still more fragmented than it should be. He also offers insight into where innovators lose the most time and how smarter infrastructure can unlock faster progress. This conversation is a focused look at the systems behind innovation and what it takes to move more ideas from concept to real-world impact.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Debbie Chen, Founder and CEO of Hydrostasis, to explore how nontraditional journeys are shaping the next generation of innovation. Debbie shares how Hydrostasis is advancing hydration science through wearable technology, and why better understanding hydration as a vital sign could unlock new opportunities in health and performance. She also reflects on her own path into entrepreneurship and what it means to build from outside the traditional mold. This conversation is a thoughtful look at how lived experience, access, and perspective are expanding who gets to innovate and what gets built next in San Diego and beyond.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Adam Jacobs, President of xZom, to explore how early disease detection and accessible diagnostics are shaping the future of health innovation. Adam shares how xZom is building point-of-care solutions designed to make diagnostics faster and more accessible, and what it takes to stand out in a complex, competitive space. Drawing from his background in athletics and entrepreneurship, he also reflects on balancing commercial reality with mission-driven impact. This conversation offers a concise look at building meaningful health innovation in San Diego and turning big ideas into real-world solutions.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Denise Bevers, Co-founder, President and CEO of VETmAb BIO, to explore what it really takes to build an animal health biotech company in one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems. Denise brings decades of experience in drug development and company building, and she shares why animal health remains an underexplored but critical frontier for innovation. From identifying unmet needs in veterinary medicine to making key decisions around timing, capital, and execution, this conversation offers a candid look at the realities of building a science-driven startup. The discussion also highlights how San Diego’s strength in human biotech can extend into adjacent fields like animal health, and what it will take for the region to continue creating new categories of impact. Whether you’re a founder, operator, investor, or simply curious about where innovation is heading next, this episode is a reminder that some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen in places people aren’t looking yet.

This trailer introduces The Connect Current, a podcast exploring the people, ideas, and momentum shaping San Diego’s innovation ecosystem. Hosted by James Zanewicz and produced by Connect, the series features conversations with founders, investors, and leaders across life science, technology, AI, climate, defense, and more. New episodes launch April 15th and release weekly on Tuesdays.