Dolomites peak at sunset

Biotech consulting from concept to clinic: fundraising, spin-off formation, IND-ready packages, and preclinical through Phase I/II development.

Get in touch

Stefano Vavassori

For over twenty years I've worked at the intersection of basic science and the clinic, from early-stage concept and spin-off formation through fundraising, preclinical development, and IND-ready packages, into Phase I and Phase II trials. Eight of those years were spent at the University Children's Hospital Zurich, and five more across three biotech startups: Cellerys, metaLead Therapeutics, and Tiny Pharma.

In December 2025 I completed an Executive MBA at the University of Zurich, focused on digital transformation, a deliberate step to translate scientific depth into organisational decisions, not just publications. I'm Italian, and work comfortably in English, German and Italian.

Alongside consulting, I co-founded ImmunoT-yp, a functional immune biomarker platform.

Stefano Vavassori in a biplane cockpit

What I help with

Consulting support across the full biotech lifecycle, from concept and spin-off formation to first-in-human trials.

Preclinical study design
In vitro and in vivo studies, IND-ready packages, and CRO coordination, from protocol design through to final report.
Animal work ethics and certification
Ethical applications for animal studies, and hands-on experience as a certified group leader in animal experimentation (LTK1 and LTK2).
Biomarkers and functional assays
Development and validation of biomarkers and cellular functional assays, including PK/PD studies.
Clinical development
Support through Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, and KOL interactions to keep a programme grounded in clinical reality.
Spin-off formation and fundraising
Structuring a spin-off from initial concept through incorporation, and building the fundraising narrative and materials to get a biotech programme funded.
Grant strategy and digital transformation
Writing and structuring competitive grant proposals, and helping research organisations think through digital transformation with an eMBA-trained perspective.

Background

PhD, Molecular & Cell Biology
Executive MBA, University of Zurich, digital transformation focus, Dec 2025
8 years, University Children's Hospital Zurich (KiSpi)
5 years across biotech startups: Cellerys, metaLead Therapeutics, Tiny Pharma
Certified group leader in animal experimentation, LTK1 and LTK2
Co-founder, ImmunoT-yp, functional immune biomarker platform
20+ years working with rare immunological diseases
Night view of the sea with boat lights
Languages
English · German · Italian

Life outside the lab

A collection of wine bottles
A weakness for old Italian reds
1978 Harley-Davidson SX175 engine
Keeping a 1978 Harley-Davidson SX175 running
Gravel bike at an alpine fountain
Multi-day gravel tours through the Alps
Alpine ridgeline view with ski poles
Ski touring before the lifts open
Pizza in a wood-fired oven
Wood-fired, and not up for debate
Turquoise alpine lake surrounded by mountains
Alpine lakes, off the trail
Porcini mushrooms in the forest
Porcini season in the woods
Coming soon
Sailing

Get in touch

Based in the Zurich area, working across Switzerland and Europe. For spin-off formation, fundraising, preclinical strategy, biomarker and assay development, or clinical development support, reach out directly.

stefano.vavassori@icloud.com
LinkedIn
ORCID
stefanovavassori.ch