Event Photos
WHEN: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Element Hall in the University Research Park
Artificial Intelligence and the Biotechnology Industry
Generative AI and machine learning has dominated the news (and the news industry), triggering an explosion of investment. AI adoption is seeping into every employment sector with healthcare and biotechnology leading the way.
It’s impossible to ignore AI and how it’s impacting the functional ways we work in biotechnology, now and in the future.
Whether you’re just learning about AI, or you’re a seasoned pro, there are important questions to consider:
For employees:
Are you prepared for AI in your workplace?
Does AI have you rethinking your own work?
What new skills and opportunities might accompany AI in the workforce?
Are you worried you’ll lose your job to AI?
For companies:
Does your company have an AI adoption strategy?
What specific steps can leaders take to help AI adoption within an organization?
What cautions should organizations consider when using AI?
Embracing the Moment
Alumni, students, faculty and invited guests of the ‘Biotech Badgers’ community are welcome to a special evening of social and professional networking exploring the burgeoning use of AI in biotechnology.
We’ve gathered biotechnology leaders, all with ties to the MS in Biotechnology Program, to share how they use AI to drive strategy, workforce development, and revenue growth.
“And if you’re not careful, you just might learn something before it’s done, so let’s get started!”
– Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
INVITED ATTENDEES:
M.S. in Biotechnology Alumni, Students, & Faculty and Invited Guests (Please RSVP)
WHEN: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (full schedule below)
WHERE: Element Hall, University Research Park
- Catered appetizers and beverages provided
The evening will feature a keynote speaker, a Forward BIOLABS company highlight, and an interactive panel discussion.
About the speakers for this event (pdf)
OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Event Schedule
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Networking Social
Catered Appetizers and Beverages
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Keynote Speaker
Eric Horler, MBA MEM, CEO, AIQ Solutions (LinkedIn)
Faculty with MS in Biotechnology Program’s
biomdsci 822: Business of Biotechnology: Commercialization Pathways &
biomdsci 834: Biotechnology Capstone
6:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Forward BIOLABS Company Feature
Introduction by
Jessica Martin Eckerly, MS Biotech, MBA (LinkedIn)
CEO/Founder of Forward BIOLABS
Faculty with MS in Biotechnology Program’s
biomdsci 832: Business of Biotechnology: Corporate Strategy &
biomdsci 834: Biotechnology Capstone
Axio BioPharma
AI-driven biomanufacturing optimization
Jakki Mabry, MS, Purification Scientist (LinkedIn)
6:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
15-minute Break
6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion
PANELISTS
About tonight’s speakers (pdf)
Eric Horler, MBA MEM, CEO, AIQ Solutions (LinkedIn)
Thomas Kirkland, PhD, Senior Scientific Investigator, Promega (LinkedIn)
John Lemmon, MS (Class 2021) Commercial Program Manager – Custom Solutions, Promega (LinkedIn)
Darcia Schweitzer, MS (Class 2016) Manager – Marketing Services, Promega (LinkedIn | Alumni Profile)
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Networking Social & Wrap-up
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!
Forward BIOLABS is Wisconsin’s co-works laboratory space for life science startup companies located in University Research Park in Madison.
The BTCI is a non-profit educational organization affiliated with Promega and a close educational partner with the UW-Madison MS in Biotechnology Program since 2002.