The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has launched a mentoring program to help strengthen biotech and life sciences entrepreneurs as business leaders in North Alabama, capitalizing on the wealth of business talent in the region.

The program, called Navigate, was established last fall and is modeled after MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service program which has been mentoring entrepreneurs for more than 20 years.

Through careful, thoughtful and deliberate selection, Navigate matches growing entrepreneurs with teams of c-suite executives, experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from North Alabama to provide them a group of confidential and conflict-free advisors.

“HudsonAlpha founders Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian were both serial entrepreneurs and mentors to countless entrepreneurs, including some of the Navigate mentors,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha and director of Navigate. “Navigate is a way for us to bring the entrepreneurial and mentor spirit that created HudsonAlpha to entrepreneurs looking to grow in the life sciences community.”

Navigate’s first class of mentors includes a who’s-who of business executives, serial entrepreneurs and civic leaders. The current mentors are:

Paul Gierow, Founder, GATR Technologies
Matthew Parker, PhD, Associate, Maynard Cooper
Kevin Gold, Operating Partner, Integrated Openings Solutions
Steve Hettinger, Former engineer, manager and public servant
Irma Tuder, Founder and CEO, Analytical Services, Inc.
Pat Shields, Senior Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Gary Bolton, Vice President Global Marketing, Adtran
Barry Derrick, Product Manager, Adtran
Danny Windham, COO, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Peggy Sammon, CEO, GeneCapture
Rex Vaughn, President, Madison County Farmers Federation
Michelle Stark, Marketing Director, Red Sage Communications
Brian Pollock, CEO and Founder, Kailos Genetics
Tom Young, CEO Kord Technologies
Richard Marsden, Shareholder, Maynard Cooper

“I’ve been involved with HudsonAlpha for a number of years as a board member and ambassador, and I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience as an entrepreneur and business leader to the innovative companies at the Institute,” said Irma Tuder, founder of Analytical Services Inc.

After completing its pilot phase, the program will be available to companies across North Alabama. Companies must be involved in biotech or life sciences for consideration. For information, email mentor@hudsonalpha.org.