AXIS
AXIS
AXIS is a new mentoring program focused on developing Indiana’s life sciences entrepreneurial talent.
With the support of the Innovation Offices of Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame, and 16 Tech, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, and BioCrossroads, AXIS is creating an inclusive and supportive community of highly experienced mentors and promising entrepreneurs (“mentees”) based on a unique and proven mentoring model from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Venture Mentoring Service (MIT VMS).

How Does It Work?
AXIS pairs a team of mentors who have significant industry, start-up, and academic institution knowledge with burgeoning innovators.
They meet at a regular cadence (every 4 to 6 weeks) to focus on immediate challenges facing the mentee.
The mentoring team provides a trusted, confidential environment to brainstorm and work through solutions, leveraging the diverse experiences of everyone around the table.
What differentiates the MIT VMS model from other mentoring frameworks:
Unique team mentoring methodology: a strict code of ethics to assure objective, conflict-free and confidential advice
Established best practices: for recruiting, training and retaining a community of highly qualified and committed volunteer mentors
A singular focus on the entrepreneur: Interactions are face to face
Mentoring works best in a conflict-free, confidential, trusted environment.
Mentoring works best in a conflict-free, confidential, trusted environment.
FOUNDING PARTNERS

VANESSA BARTH, PHD
Senior Advisor, External RNA Therapeutics, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company
BioCrossroads

DIANA CALDWELL
Entrepreneur in Residence, Chief Executive Officer, Amplified Sciences LLC
Purdue Foundry

BOB COY
President & Chief Executive Officer
16Tech

ANDREW DAHLEM, DMV
Sr. Research Professor of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine

JAY MCGILL, PHD
Chief Operations Officer
Indiana Biosciences Research Insitute

JASON WHITNEY
Associate Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
IU Ventures

JAMES THOMPSON
Associate Vice President for Innovation & the Executive Director of the Commercialization Engine Team
University of Notre Dame