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