Karthik Ramachandran, Ph.D., is a bioengineer and entrepreneur serving as Senior Advisor in External Innovation at Elanco Animal Health. He identifies, evaluates, and establishes external partnerships with startups, biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic institutions, aiming to bring innovative products to improve the health of pets and livestock. As co-founder of Likarda, a biotech company developing formulation and delivery technologies for cell therapies and biologics, Dr. Ramachandran brings extensive experience in building startups, raising capital, and forging collaborations. He holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Kansas, specializing in tissue engineering, and has secured multiple patents and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. His entrepreneurial achievements have garnered him multiple awards and recognitions. Dr. Ramachandran actively supports local biotech and animal health initiatives, including non-profit work.