023 | "Cornell Dr. Creates AI For Cancer Treatment" (Dr. Neel at OneThree Bio)

Oct 25

Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Dr. Madhukar – CEO of OneThree Bio.

Forbes List: USA
Year: 2016
Category: Healthcare

Living in N.Y. city to moving in with your parents in the midwest can change life’s perspectives during this readjustment time due to Covid. It’s interesting how each of us has a different method of pivoting and moving forward. I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Neel Madhukar, CEO of OneThreeBio, not only on his successes so far, but where he’s going in the future and why.

Dr. Madhukar earned his PhD from Cornell University designing new machine learning approaches that are better suited for biological problems. While at Cornell, he authored numerous scientific publications in the fields of machine learning, pharmacology and precision medicine. His work has led to the development of new AI prediction methods, the discovery of a novel class of cancer therapeutics and the start of new clinical trials.

He then went on to complete his postdoctoral studies at Cornell Tech’s Runway Postdoc program where he started his company. He is an awardee of the PHARMA informatics fellowship and was listed as one of the top 100 AI Leaders in Drug Discovery and Advanced Healthcare.

Dr. Madhukar’s company uses AI and computers to find why cancer is the way it is and using that information to find new treatments.

Our very philosophical conversation covered topics including:

Thoughts on being back “home,” the joy of board games and his being a big fan of satellite soccer.
His time in Pre-Med studies, but how it lacked the science and math that he loved.
The influence of his grandfather’s battle with cancer and the journey of clinical trials.
The challenges of developing a new drug, the time and cost to bring it to market.
A conversation on how genetics were being analyzed led him to using the mix of mathematics, computer science and biology.
How scientists can use computers and AI leading to better drug discovery and precision medicine.
Biotech entrepreneurship, precision medicine, new methods of partnering and incubator benefits.
How cancer in each of our families has influenced our career paths.
Cancer treatments to address the growing need that one out of two people now get cancer in their lifetimes.
The principles of hiring a great team and understanding the challenges of remote work and post-Covid work expectations.

Our conversation continued with great insights on how Dr. Madhukar looks at being an entrepreneur, reflecting on his graduate work and the moments of pivoting and persevering. We even discussed the history and benefits of masterminding!

Dr. Madhukar is so very sincere in sharing his knowledge and experiences. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

“Under 30 Seconds Round”

1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?

Disney books to inspire innovative thinking.
Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner is one of my favorites.

2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?

Best - Put some money in an IPO. Taking time to look at investments and learning how to make them.

3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and most impactful thing you do in your Evening routine?

AM - Walking the dog, de-stressing, getting some fresh air and reflecting.
PM - Doing something fun like watching TV, playing chess and just unwinding.

4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of go to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?

I think school is so important so I’d re-enroll in college.

5. What’s something you never knew you needed?

Tools to keep me organized and productive including apps like Evernote.

In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…

The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Dr. Neel Madhukar’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!

GUEST INFO: Dr. Neel Madhukar – CEO of OneThreeBio