Ilya Venskiy

Ilya Venskiy is a professional in the biotech and synthetic biology sectors, currently based in Vacaville, California. He is notably the Co-founder and CEO of Helico Bio, a biopharmaceutical platform focused on engineering stable plant lines to produce essential therapeutics, such as human insulin, at scale since January 2020. Additionally, he serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Aō Air, a company dedicated to addressing respiratory issues related to air quality since January 2017.1

Education

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Completed a program in Drug and Medical Device Development in 2020.
• The University of Auckland: Earned a degree in Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship between 2015 and 2017.
• Brandeis University: Received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from 1993 to 1996.1

Previous Experience

• Managing Director at PAG_Digital_NZ: Worked from January 2015 to February 2017, focusing on consumer data analytics through mobile games.
• Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ZZILI: Operated from May 2008 to April 2012, providing market strategy innovation services.
• Corporate Innovation at Bacardi: Contributed to global activations and market research from April 2008 to April 2010.
• Co-Founder & CRO at Modernista!: Led the agency from January 2000 to December 2006, serving clients like General Motors and MTV.1

Skills and Languages

Venskiy is proficient in English and has expertise in investments related to synthetic biology and new materials.12