Meet One of Our Strategic Advisors - Dr Irene Kourtis

Every startup needs a community of trusted advisors and supporters to navigate the highs and lows of startup life, and to guide the path to commercialisation. One of those people for NanoCube Health is Dr Irene Kourtis . Check out the Q&A with Irene exploring what motivates her to support startups and her views on NanoCube Health's future.

What motivates you to support start-ups like NanoCube Health?

Startups are often led by talented innovators who exhibit bravery, passion, and unwavering determination. Driven by a vision, they have the potential to improve health outcomes. This is true of NanoCube Health co-founders, Lisa Milani and Shawn Goussous.? Having the opportunity to lend my expertise and insights to propel their vision forward and offer assistance is incredibly rewarding. Harnessing the collaborative spirit and collective know-how is key in bolstering start-ups like NanoCube Health.

Why is supporting early-stage companies like NanoCube Health in the deep tech space so important?

Backing early-stage companies in translating research and development from academic concepts to tangible real-world results is central to advance our society and economic prosperity. NanoCube Health stands at the forefront in pioneering innovations for cancer diagnostics and treatment. Armed with the understanding that less than 1% of chemotherapy effectively targets tumours while the remaining 99% disperses throughout the body, NanoCube Health's technology holds the promise of transforming cancer care and significantly improving patient outcomes.

What potential impact do you foresee NanoCube Health having in the future, both locally and globally?

NanoCube's technology strategy is multifaceted and represents innovation in cancer diagnostics and treatment, harnessing the power of AI and bioinspired nanorobots. From precise and minimally-invasive early detection to continuous monitoring and exact targeted treatment, NanoCube Health is poised to enhance the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. Initially, NanoCube Health is concentrating its efforts on pancreatic cancer, given its status as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. However, on a global scale, NanoCube's technology holds the potential for application in addressing other solid tumours and extending its reach and impact across the globe.

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About Irene Kourtis

Irene is an accomplished CEO, with Executive and Board experience across commercial, biotechnology, not for profit, academic and government service sectors. With a career in life sciences and health, Irene has supported organisations across drug development, medical technologies, clinical trials, diagnostics, clinical genomics, forensic science and medical research. Irene is a strategy and business performance specialist who is skilled in building organisational capability, strengthening operations and service delivery excellence. With an engaging approach, Irene establishes productive partnerships with local and international entities, that improve health outcomes and deliver growth. Commercially astute with proven business development acumen, Irene has led the entry of services into new markets as well as progressing R&D to commercial outcomes. Experienced in securing funding from commercial partners, grants, philanthropic and? government agencies.

Irene is passionate about helping others to achieve success. Irene mentors’ senior leaders and Executives as well as working with companies across all aspects of strategy and business performance, to build confidence and find solutions that address challenges with meaningful results.? With CEO experience across the CRO and the clinical service landscape, Irene supports early-stage start-ups and US based biotech’s as an Australian Director with knowledge across the Australian clinical trial sector, the R&D tax incentive scheme and extended networks.? Irene is appropriately qualified with a PhD in virology, a Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as having completed University of Melbourne, Mt Eliza Business School courses.