Connecting Innovation to Opportunity: A Conversation with Rachel Rath, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC

BioTalk with Rich Bendis

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Rachel Rath, the Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, to discuss her journey and insights on building a thriving ecosystem for life sciences innovation. Rachel shares her academic and professional background, from roles at PCORI and BARDA Blue Knight to leading JLABS @ Washington, DC. She offers an in-depth look at JLABS’ national and international footprint, and the significant partnerships with organizations like Children’s National, Virginia Tech, and BARDA that strengthen the innovation landscape across the mid-Atlantic.

Tune in as Rachel shares the current priorities at JLABS, highlighting the diversity of its tenant portfolio, which spans MedTech, Pharma, and Integrated Healthcare Solutions. She also discusses how JLABS companies benefit from the support and resources available through Johnson & Johnson, including access to valuable connections, mentorship, and funding opportunities via JJDC.

Located in the heart of the BioHealth Capital Region, JLABS @ Washington, DC is well-positioned to drive collaboration and ecosystem growth. Rachel sheds light on the unique advantages of this strategic location and shares her views on addressing the challenges faced by life science startups, from funding access to investment connectivity, and the vital steps needed to elevate the region’s biohealth ecosystem.

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Rachel is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing all operational activities for JLABS @ Washington, DC. Her responsibilities include P&L management, external engagement, innovation sourcing, portfolio management, and operational excellence in collaboration with the team responsible for the site and the region. In addition to managing the business of JLABS, Rachel is responsible for the process of evaluating, selecting and accelerating a strong portfolio of innovators connected to JLABS @ Washington, DC, which supports companies across the broader region.

Prior to this role, Rachel served as the inaugural Director of the BARDA Alliance for Johnson & Johnson Innovation. As BARDA Alliance Director, she was responsible for managing BLUE KNIGHT™, a joint initiative between JLABS and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which aims to stimulate the innovation and incubation of science and technologies. Rachel led the strategic direction, alliance management, and oversight of all operational activities related to BLUE KNIGHT™, including managing the sourcing and selection of high potential companies for JLABS locations and developing global programming including the annual BLUE KNIGHT™ Symposium.

Before joining JLABS, Rachel was the Chief of Staff for the National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NESTcc)—an initiative of the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC)—that was established with funding from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was recognized in September 2019 as one of the first collaborative communities with participation by the FDA. Prior to joining NESTcc, Rachel worked at PCORI, helping to launch the Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet), a national effort to engage patients and leverage electronic health data to improve the speed and efficiency of clinical research in the United States.

Rachel received her MBA from Georgetown University and MPH in global health policy from The George Washington University.