Arti Santhanam

Arti Santhanam is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) in Baltimore, set to take on this role starting February 1, 2024.12 She brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and life sciences to this position.4

Professional Background

Prior to joining ETC, Santhanam served as the Executive Director of TEDCO's Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), where she focused on promoting academic research commercialization across Maryland.1 In this role, she helped support and create over 140 companies and nearly 300 jobs in the state.3

Education and Expertise

Santhanam holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.3 Her educational background also includes a Master of Science degree in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Madras.3

Leadership and Involvement

Santhanam is actively involved in various boards and initiatives:

• Member of the Maryland Governor's Life Science Advisory Board (LSAB)
• Serves on the Maryland Energy Innovation Initiative (MEI2) investment committee
• Member of the Baltimore Fund advisory committee
• Involved in SpringBoard Enterprises' Women's Health initiative3

She is also a graduate of Leadership Maryland (2020) and an active member of the Women in Bio-Capital Region Chapter.3

Vision for ETC

In her new role at ETC, Santhanam aims to:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurs' needs at every stage
2. Implement a new strategic plan to renew the organization's value
3. Explore the creation of a venture studio to assist growth-stage companies
4. Ensure companies stay, grow, and thrive in Baltimore2

Santhanam's appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage her expertise and take ETC to the next level in supporting Baltimore's entrepreneurial ecosystem.12