Discover. Advance. Monetize.

Double-stranded DNA on a checkered background

We collaborate with leading universities

to give high-potential students hands-on exposure to the strategic side of biopharma—from identifying and evaluating real clinical assets to understanding intellectual property, market dynamics, and go-to-market pathways.

Many promising drug candidates stall in the industry’s so-called “Valley of Death”, not due to safety or efficacy, but because of funding gaps, pipeline misalignment, or shifting corporate priorities. The program is designed to navigate this critical gap, identifying and unlocking value in distressed assets with strong scientific potential that might otherwise be left behind.

JOIN US

8%

of clinical‑stage assets ultimately achieve regulatory approval

1000

assets each year fail after entering Phase 1

$40M–$130M

range of typical R&D investment in a discontinued clinical asset

54%

of drugs entering Phase 3 failed

90%

of Phase 3 failures are not due to safety — most assets are biologically sound and potentially viable opportunities

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DISCOVER

Identify latent value in overlooked or abandoned clinical assets

ai² Futures Lab systematically assesses shelved or underprioritized assets to uncover scientific, clinical, or strategic potential others have missed

ADVANCE

Optimize indication, delivery, and dosing to unlock inflection points

Cross-functional teams refine target indication, delivery approach, dosing, and study strategy to create clear development and decision inflection points

MONETIZE

License, partner, acquire, or commercialize based on ROI

Disciplined business development and capital allocation decisions - license, partner, acquire, or advance internally - grounded in return on investment and strategic fit

MEASURED IMPACT

Real Outputs. Real Impact.

1000+ assets reviewed

Each team’s final output is reviewed for potential integration into an active biopharma asset pipeline, ensuring the work goes beyond academic exercise and into real strategic consideration

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particles under a microscope

6

major university collaborations – building future leaders in biotech innovation

particles under a microscope

95%+

of participating students report increased confidence in biotech business skills after completion

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100%

mentorship from biotech & business leaders guiding every project stage

Current Collaborations

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WHAT STUDENTS GAIN

Experience that actually transfers

1

Experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world biopharma challenges

2

Exposure to clinical development, intellectual property, market analysis, and commercialization strategy

3

Opportunities for paid internships, consulting projects, or employment with Lōkahi

4

Direct influence on potential Lōkahi pipeline decisions

TESTIMONIALS

Proof, Not Promises

  • Jaime Alonso Gomez, Ph.D.

    Professor of Strategy, International Management and Family Business at the Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego

    “Our students will gain invaluable exposure to the business side of the life sciences industry. Partnering with Lōkahi allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience—where academic rigor meets real-world biopharma decision-making.”

  • Anna Lewandowski

    Anna Lewandowski

    MBA Candidate, University of San Diego

    "This semester in the ai² Futures Lab was an incredibly rewarding experience. In one semester, I built a practical, working understanding of biotech grounded in real clinical, regulatory, and commercial decision-making. It was unique and motivating to have the entire Lōkahi team deeply embedded in our process: challenging our assumptions, refining our analysis, and holding us to the standards of a professional business development team while trusting us to produce work with real strategic implications. It was an immersive, high accountability environment that accelerated my learning and translated directly into tangible outcomes. Looking back, it is deeply satisfying to know our work created real value, and that the Lōkahi team consistently treated it that way."

  • Rob Morgan, Ph.D.

    Rob Morgan, Ph.D.

    Director of the STEM Path and CREATE Path to the MBA programs at The University of Alabama

    “Our students will gain unique experience contributing to the success of a biopharma company. This program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring the business of biotechnology to a new generation of leaders.” 

  • Ria Pearson-Ybarra

    Ria Pearson-Ybarra

    MBA Candidate, University of Alabama

    "This semester was such a valuable experience for me. Working with the Lōkahi team helped me grow not only in my understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, but also in my confidence as a future business leader. The guidance and feedback I received pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to step up and lead a team. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support, and for the chance to learn from people who genuinely wanted to see us succeed."

KEY ADVISORS

Voices Behind the Lab