Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation Corporation

My name is Vanloan Nguyen, and I am the founder of Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation. As a biotech entrepreneur with a background in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Biotech Entrepreneurship and Enterprise from Johns Hopkins, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work alongside both scientists and investors to bring groundbreaking ideas to life. Through my work with Life Science Angels–an angel investment company in Silicon Valley, I’ve seen firsthand that while funding and innovation drive biotech forward, the nonprofit sector plays an equally vital role in bridging gaps, supporting early research, and making advancements more accessible.

The Problem: A Bottleneck in Biotech Accessibility

Biotechnology holds the power to transform lives, from groundbreaking medical treatments to sustainable innovations. But despite its vast potential, access to the biotech industry is becoming more bottlenecked than ever.

Across academia, postdoctoral scientists—some of the brightest minds in their fields—are facing an impossible dilemma: continue struggling in an underfunded system or leave science altogether for a more financially stable career. Many passionate scientists are forced to abandon their research, not because they lack vision or ingenuity, but because they lack the resources and support to bring their discoveries to market.

On the entrepreneurship side, I have witnessed firsthand how the investment landscape favors serial, successful entrepreneurs. As someone who has worked with angel investors, I have seen many academic founders turned away, not because their science is not promising, but because they lack the network and know-how to navigate commercialization. The result? Groundbreaking innovations are left sitting on the shelf, never reaching the patients and industries that need them most.

Our Mission: Democratizing Biotech Entrepreneurship

We are launching a movement to break down these barriers. Our initiative will provide scientists and aspiring biotech entrepreneurs with the essential resources they need to transition from research to commercialization.

Your support will help us:

Meet Our Board

Our board consists of accomplished professionals with extensive experience in science, business, and investment. Each member brings unique expertise to guide and support our mission:

Vanloan Nguyen, MBEE – A biotech entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercialization.

Lori Fitz, Ph.D. – A research scientist with over 35 years of experience advancing drug discovery and development in biotechnology. She headed her own lab at Pfizer for ten years.

Alain Eudaric, MBA, MBEE, M.S. – A seasoned life sciences and healthcare executive with experience working for several industry-leading companies, including PAREXEL International, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and A.T. Kearney.

Why This Matters

Scientific innovation should not be limited to those with deep pockets or powerful connections. By supporting this initiative, you are investing in a future where breakthrough technologies have a fighting chance to make it beyond the lab. You are empowering the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to drive real change in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.

Our Commitment and 501(c)(3) Status

We are proud to announce that we have gained 501(c)(3) status, making all donations 100% tax-deductible. Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting our programs. Our board members are currently volunteers and do not receive a salary, ensuring that all contributions directly impact our mission.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to building an inclusive and thriving biotech ecosystem. If you believe in the power of science to change lives, if you want to see more researchers successfully translate their discoveries into real-world solutions, now is the time to act.

Donate today and help us open the doors of opportunity for the scientists and entrepreneurs who will shape the future. Together, we can make biotech more accessible, innovative, and impactful for all.

Thank you for your support!