Chirag Sachar

Chirag Sachar is a biomedical engineering professional with extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.1 He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University.1 Currently, Chirag serves as the Director of Portfolio Innovation at Novartis, a position he has held since September 2023.1

Prior to his current role, Chirag worked at Immunai, where he was Senior Manager of Business Development & Alliance Management from May 2022 to September 2023.1 During his time at Immunai, he focused on leveraging the company's machine learning platform to support pharmaceutical drug development in cancer and autoimmunity.2

Chirag's academic background includes:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University (2017-2021)
• Master of Philosophy and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University
• Bachelor's degree in Biology & Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago (2012-2016)1

In addition to his industry roles, Chirag serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University, teaching biomedical innovation courses for the graduate engineering program.12 He is also an Executive Advisor for the Prototype for Success program at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.1

Chirag's research experience includes developing novel variable rigidity systems to observe real-time mechanosensing abilities of lymphocytes and investigating force dynamics at the immune synapse to improve mechanical properties of adoptive immunotherapy platforms.1