Akita  Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on redefining preventive and precision health by developing advanced nasal-spray technologies that strengthen the body’s natural defenses and deliver therapeutics more effectively.

Lab-to-Launch Lounge

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Dr. Jeff Karp is a distinguished professor of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. With over 35,000 citations, he is a prolific researcher with a gift of seeing beyond the lab to real world applications. His research has resulted in over 175 scientific publications and more than 100 patents. He has founded 13 companies which have raised over $600 million. Some of his innovations include "smart needles" for safer drug delivery and nasal sprays that neutralize airborne pathogens at Akita Biosciences

He is the author of LIT: Life Ignition Tools which draws on his personal experience and insights from inspiring leaders to help entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone struggling with information overload stay focused on their North Star. As a mentor, he has guided over 30 students to faculty positions and earned prestigious mentoring awards at MIT and Harvard. His belief in the transformative power of curiosity and authentic self-expression drives his commitment to empowering the next generation of biomedical innovators.

One piece of advice to Venturing@Harvard

Every person you meet opens the door to new possibilities. Keep expanding your network — collaboration fuels innovation.