Meet the Mentors

Brian Ellerman
With 30 years in health and technology, Brian has founded or helped launch numerous companies. His experience includes 15 years at French pharma giant Sanofi, leading global tech scouting and digital strategy. As the founder of FORGE at the University of Arizona, Brian has invested in over 150 startups and advises companies on strategy and innovation. Brian is the Executive Director of XLR8 PBC.

Noreen Scheu, MBA
With 25 years in pharmaceuticals and combination products, this mentor has expertise in corporate strategy, competitive intelligence, and market analysis. Their experience includes roles at Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC, and supporting gene therapy startups. A dedicated advocate for Arizona’s startup ecosystem, they volunteer with Tech Launch Arizona and Venture Café Phoenix.

John Achoukian
Specializing in market analysis, product-market fit, and healthcare innovation, John has nearly 20 years of experience with industry leaders like UnitedHealth Group, Dignity Health, and Accenture. Holding a Master’s in Healthcare Innovation from ASU, he has advised health tech startups on regulatory compliance and go-to-market strategies.

Rich Genovese
A recognized leader in talent strategy and executive hiring, Rich has worked with biopharma giants such as Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Amgen. As the founder of Translational Talent, LLC, he specializes in C-suite talent planning, helping startups identify and bridge talent gaps for sustainable growth.