Tuesday 16 June 2026, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
I-O Converse: From idea to IPO - what does it take to turn lifesaving research into a global biotech?

Our next I-O Converse guest is Dr Martin Pule, founder of NASDAQ‑listed Autolus Therapeutics, and inventor of the innovative personalised CAR T-cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, AUCATZYL (obe-cel).
Our next I-O Converse guest is Dr Martin Pule, founder of NASDAQ‑listed Autolus Therapeutics, and inventor of the innovative personalised CAR T-cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, AUCATZYL (obe-cel), which Autolus developed to the drug market and now has approval in the UK, EU and USA.
Joining our Director of Biopharm, Rick Fagan, for an honest conversation about the founder journey, Martin will reflect on:
- Starting a spinout with no commercial experience
- Licensing early IP and building a major portfolio
- The realities and rewards of funding, time commitments and commercialising therapeutics.
If you are an academic considering commercialisation, or research in the therapeutics space, this is one not to miss…!
Who should attend:
All UCL staff and PhD students interested in bringing their research to market are warmly invited to join the conversation. Tickets are free, but limited. Reserve your place using the link now.
Why attend?
- Explore the decisions that drive breakthrough ventures
- Learn from researchers who have commercialised their work
- Connect with UCL’s innovation network
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I-O (Ideas to Opportunities) is UCLB’s programme supporting researchers to translate ideas into impact. I-O Converse spotlights founders and collaborators who’ve navigated the journey from lab to market, with the help of UCLB
Please note, this event is open to UCL academics, researchers and PhDs only
Venue details
3rd floor, Maple House
149 Tottenham Court Road,
London W1T 7NF