Following a thorough national search, BioCrossroads, a catalyst for Indiana's life sciences sector, announced the appointment of Vince Wong as its new president and CEO. An esteemed leader with a rich background in healthcare and life sciences, Vince takes the helm at BioCrossroads ready to harness his vast expertise to elevate the organization’s impact on Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.
Vince’s extensive experience at both multinational and venture backed start-up life science companies, coupled with deep-rooted insights into the life sciences sector, both locally and nationally, position him as a visionary leader who will help drive the recently released life sciences strategy for Indiana.
Read the report: TEConomy Partners: A Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Indiana’s Life Sciences Industries.
Vince most recently served as chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed company focused on developing RNA-based gastrointestinal diagnostics. At Geneoscopy, Vince oversaw business development, governmental affairs, market access, marketing, sales, and communications, and helped secure over $100M in venture financing. Prior to that role, he had an impressive 18-year tenure at Roche Diagnostics, serving in senior leadership roles— most recently as vice president of sales, point of care diagnostics. Vince also serves as Executive in Residence at IU Ventures and a board director of both public and private life science companies.
“The life sciences sector is a vital, growing cornerstone of Indiana's economy and the opportunity to lead BioCrossroads is an incredible honor,” Vince said. “I am eager to collaborate with our team, our partners, and the wider life sciences community to enhance our ability to develop and manufacture innovative treatments and interventions for people not just in Indiana, but on a global scale.”
A proud native Hoosier, Vince has been an active community leader, having served on numerous boards of directors, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, Asian American Alliance, Inc., the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Vince was one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2001 Forty Under 40 honorees.
Vince earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame, his law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, and MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
“Vince embodies the leadership qualities and extensive life sciences experience that are quintessential for the role of CEO at BioCrossroads,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “His commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good aligns seamlessly with our objectives and strategy and we are enthusiastic about his ability to lead our life sciences sector.”
Indiana is home to more than 2,700 life sciences firms that employ 64,000 workers. The sector produces $77 billion annually in economic impact, and Indiana ranks third in the U.S. in life sciences exports with $13 billion in 2022 alone. As Vince steps into his new role, he is poised to leverage Indiana's robust life sciences ecosystem to help guide the industry’s strategic vision.
“Building upon the state’s life sciences landscape, BioCrossroads remains committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth and innovation, resulting in products, businesses, and collaborations that directly enhance the quality of health and well-being across Indiana,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “With Vince's leadership, BioCrossroads will extend its track record of fostering a vibrant ecosystem centered on groundbreaking research and development, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and expanded workforce opportunities.”
BioCrossroads’ work will be especially focused in areas where Indiana possesses unique strengths, like metabolic disorders, diabetes, radiopharmaceuticals, orthopedics, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
“We're poised to strengthen Indiana's position in the life sciences sector significantly,” Vince said. “By bolstering our state's innovation assets, supply chain, reshoring manufacturing capabilities, and leveraging our competitive environment and incentives, we aim to attract and retain top talent. It's about creating a cohesive ecosystem where innovation, research, and community well-being are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”
Vince officially joined BioCrossroads on January 31, becoming the fourth leader in the organization’s history.
