Rice Biotech Launch Pad Expands Advisory Board with Carolyn Ng's Appointment

Houston Welcomes Carolyn Ng to Rice Biotech Launch Pad Advisory Board

In a significant step forward for the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, a Houston-based accelerator devoted to translating health and medical innovations from Rice University into viable treatments, Carolyn Ng has officially joined its external advisory board. Announced on July 31, 2025, her appointment is seen as a pivotal move to strengthen the organization's mission of fostering transformative biotech ventures.

Ng, currently a partner at TPG Life Sciences Innovations, possesses a wealth of experience in guiding early to mid-stage biotech companies across diverse therapeutic disciplines. Omid Veiseh, a professor of bioengineering at Rice and faculty director of the Launch Pad, expressed his enthusiasm: "Carolyn's deep understanding of translational science, coupled with her unwavering commitment to high-impact ventures, makes her an ideal addition to our board."

Paul Wotton, the executive director of the Launch Pad, echoed this sentiment, underscoring Ng's strategic insights, which are vital for biotech companies seeking growth. "Her global perspective on life sciences innovation will be invaluable as we continue to grow."

As Houston emerges as a notable biotech hub, Ng highlighted the significance of Rice University's research in fueling the biotechnology ecosystem in the region. "The Launch Pad's approach, deeply rooted in academic excellence intertwined with entrepreneurial efforts, is essential for turning innovative research into effective therapies. I am excited to contribute my insights and experience to this mission," she stated.

Ng’s impressive portfolio includes active roles at several biotech firms. Currently, she is on the boards of Mbrace Therapeutics and Adcendo Aps, alongside having served on the board of Bicara Therapeutics, which is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol BCAX. Her previous achievements include key positions at Bicycle Therapeutics PLC and Obsidian Therapeutics.

Beyond her corporate engagements, Ng also partakes in the broader life sciences community. She holds a position on the board of directors at BIOCOM California, representing the life science industry there, and critically engages in the Singapore Therapeutics Development Review Panel as a reviewer.

Ng's academic background is equally impressive, having earned her doctorate in cancer molecular biology from the National University of Singapore. This accomplishment was honored with the prestigious NGS Integrative Sciences and Technology PhD scholarship.

Currently, the Rice Biotech Launch Pad advisory board consists of an eclectic mix of industry leaders and innovators. Alongside Ng, other members include notable figures such as David Allison, managing director at Westlake BioPartners, and Robert Langer, a professor at MIT. Together, this diverse assembly exemplifies a broad array of expertise aimed at propelling the Launch Pad’s strategic objectives.

The Rice Biotech Launch Pad's goal centers around rapidly transitioning pioneering health solutions from research phases to practical applications, underscoring the urgency in meeting critical medical challenges. By collaborating with local researchers and leveraging a strong network of industry executives, the Launch Pad aims to establish Houston as a premier center for medical innovation.

For further details on this remarkable initiative, visit their official site at Rice Biotech Launch Pad.