How Strong Networks Help Life Science Startups Succeed
In this episode of the Driving the Business of Science podcast, host Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, speaks with Alan Lucas, founder of the New England Healthcare Executive Network (NEHEN), about the power of community in moving life science innovation forward.
Alan explains why he created NEHEN to connect professionals across medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health IT, investing, and healthcare delivery. He shares how the organization combines relationship-building with practical education on topics such as artificial intelligence, capital markets, family offices, regulation, and business growth.
The conversation also explores Alan’s work building medical device companies, including Navigation Sciences and EnlightenVue. He discusses the realities of developing new surgical technologies, completing clinical studies, securing capital, navigating FDA milestones, and preparing companies for long-term growth.
Throughout the episode, Keith and Alan show how strong professional networks help founders find expertise, service partners, investors, and new perspectives. Alan closes with a simple lesson for entrepreneurs and executives: enjoy the work, stay curious, and build relationships that help good ideas reach patients.
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Guest Profile – Alan Lucas, Founder, Managing Director – NE Healthcare Executive Network (NEHEN). CEO & Co-Founder, Navigation Sciences, Inc
Alan Lucas has served in business development and marketing positions and consulting for development-stage and emerging medical technology companies for over 30 years. He has global senior management experience enhancing investor value, including the execution of successful cross-border M&A transactions, fundraising, IPO’s, and private placements. He has a diverse product and cross-functional expertise in medical technology, with an emphasis on procedure-specific devices and implants used in orthopedics, cardiovascular, general surgery, radiation oncology, and minimally invasive surgery, as well as knowledge of intellectual property portfolio development. Alan has negotiated supply agreements, distributor relationships, and licensing agreements. He has also directed market analysis, including regulatory, payer, product specification, product launch, and sales management.
In 2009, Alan founded the New England Healthcare Executive Network (NEHEN). NEHEN is a professional organization that encourages collaboration within the New England healthcare ecosystem through monthly educational networking events. Membership includes over 3,000 senior executives, healthcare providers, academia, and investors and represents a broad range of market verticals, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health IT.
In 2018, he Co-Founded Navigation Sciences, a clinical-stage company developing the NaviSci™ Intelligent Surgical System for the tissue conserving removal of lung cancer and other soft tissue tumors.
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
- Keith Parent introduces the Driving the Business of Science podcast and its focus on the broader life sciences ecosystem.
- Keith welcomes Alan Lucas, founder of the New England Healthcare Executive Network.
- Alan shares his background in medical devices, surgical instrumentation, and healthcare entrepreneurship.
Why Alan Founded NEHEN
- Alan explains why he saw a need for a network focused on individuals rather than companies.
- NEHEN was created to encourage communication across healthcare industry sectors.
- The organization brings together professionals from medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health IT, investing, academia, and healthcare delivery.
Connecting Healthcare Professionals Across Industry Silos
- NEHEN gives professionals opportunities to build relationships outside their immediate specialties.
- Monthly programs bring together startup founders, executives, investors, clinicians, service providers, and other industry leaders.
- Keith discusses how the meetings have expanded his own network within Boston’s life sciences community.
Combining Networking With Education
- NEHEN’s programs are designed to deliver practical information that attendees can apply to their work.
- Topics include artificial intelligence, financing, family offices, capital markets, regulation, reimbursement, and business management.
- Keith shares how lessons from a previous AI program influenced conversations with his own quality and compliance teams.
Building Relevant and Diverse Programs
- Alan describes how NEHEN selects timely subjects based on industry developments and community interests.
- Moderators and panelists are chosen to represent different perspectives on each topic.
- Annual conference debriefs help members understand important market and investment trends without attending every major industry event.
Alan’s Medical Device Experience
- Alan discusses his career in minimally invasive surgical technologies.
- He explains how Navigation Sciences is developing technology to support the tissue-conserving removal of lung tumors.
- He also describes EnlightenVue’s single-use micro-endoscope and its potential application in the removal of biliary stones.
The Business of Bringing Medical Technologies to Market
- Alan discusses the importance of clinical studies, FDA clearance, capitalization, commercial adoption, and revenue growth.
- Access to sufficient funding remains one of the most significant challenges for emerging medical device companies.
- Successful commercialization requires technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, business discipline, and strong industry relationships.
How Professional Networks Support Business Growth
- NEHEN has helped Alan connect with engineers, legal advisers, financial executives, investors, and other specialists.
- Relationships developed through the network have supported his companies and created new business opportunities.
- Keith and Alan emphasize that collaboration strengthens both individual companies and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Final Advice for Healthcare Entrepreneurs
- Alan encourages professionals to pursue work they genuinely enjoy.
- Curiosity, commitment, and strong relationships help leaders navigate the challenges of healthcare innovation.
- Keith invites healthcare and life sciences professionals in the Boston area to learn more about NEHEN’s programs.
Episode FAQs
How do professional networks help life science startups succeed?
Professional networks connect life science founders with investors, clinicians, regulatory specialists, service providers, and experienced executives. These relationships help startups fill knowledge gaps, solve problems faster, identify funding opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
Who should be part of a life science startup’s professional network?
A strong life science network should include professionals from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health IT, healthcare delivery, academia, and investing. Founders also benefit from relationships with engineers, legal advisers, regulatory experts, financial executives, and commercialization partners.
How can networking help life science startups secure funding?
Networking gives founders access to investors, family offices, strategic partners, and executives who understand the life sciences market. Trusted relationships can lead to introductions, feedback on fundraising strategies, and opportunities to present a company’s technology to potential investors.
What are the biggest challenges when bringing a medical device to market?
Common challenges include raising sufficient capital, completing clinical studies, achieving FDA clearance, demonstrating clinical value, and driving commercial adoption. Success requires a combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, business discipline, and strong industry relationships.
What is the New England Healthcare Executive Network?
The New England Healthcare Executive Network (NEHEN) is a professional organization that connects executives, healthcare providers, academics, investors, and service partners across the New England healthcare ecosystem. Its educational networking programs address topics such as artificial intelligence, regulation, reimbursement, capital markets, and business growth.