Award recipients

Life Science Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, sponsored and presented by Perkins Coie

The Life Science Entrepreneurial Achievement award is to recognize an individual who, in the previous year, has demonstrated significant entrepreneurial achievement- a noted trailblazer, successfully addressing unmet or urgent needs, someone who has raised a substantial amount of money or has achieved some other major milestone. The award is made to a Washington-based recipient, with a strong commitment to not only advance life-changing innovations, but someone who is equally committed to contributing to our state’s economic development.

Recipients

2024

Dr. Baiteng Zhao and Dr. Tae H Han, co-founders of ProfoundBio Inc.

2023

Dr. David Younger, A-Alpha Bio

2022

Dr. Erwin Berthier and Dr. Ben Cassavant, co-founders of Tasso Inc.

2021

Dr. Jesse Salk, founder and CEO of Twinstrand Bioscience

2020

Dr. Leen Kawas, founder and CEO of Athira Pharma

Ingrid K. Ruf, PhD, WIN Mentor of the Year award, presented by Fenwick & West

The Ingrid K. Ruf, WIN Mentor of the Year award is named in honor and memory of Dr. Ingrid Ruf. She served as the Director of Entrepreneurship at Life Science Washington Institute, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Institute’s programming. Dr. Ruf demonstrated a consistent devotion to supporting the life science ecosystem, with a vested interest in providing support that early-stage entrepreneurs need and in growing the WIN mentoring pool to support these young companies. This award is presented to a mentor who has exhibited outstanding service to this program and to entrepreneurs.

2024

Mark Gausman

2023

Jacqueline Sherris, PhD

2022

Paul C. Harris, PhD

2021

Wayne Tsuji, PhD

2020

Steve Handley

Life Science Investor of the Year Award

2023

WRF Capital

2022

ARCH Ventures

2021

RA Capital Management