Semester:
Offered:
Course Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape is an essential skill for investors and management teams in biotechnology. The ability to visually contextualize a competitive landscape and organize companies within a logical structure not only helps one understand how a drug might be positioned within a disease, but also allows that understanding to be taught to others.
Course Description and Structure
This course is designed to teach skills to Ph.D. students and postdoctoral trainees interested in investment-related biotechnology positions. The course is established in collaboration with RA Capital TechAtlas division, which utilizes competitive maps to determine which companies should develop which technologies to create the most value.
During the first session of the course we will provide an introduction to the concept and strategy of mapping. We’ll then pair up the students into teams and assign them a disease area to map together. In the second session, teams will present their competitive landscape for feedback and discussion.
Course Expectations
Participants can expect to gain insights into mapping competitive landscapes within the biotechnology space and how this process helps identify companies and assets most likely to succeed in a given area.
Session Dates, Times and Locations
Attendance is required for both sessions. In order to receive credit, students must attend both sessions and complete all assignments. Note that both sessions will be held on site at RA Capital (Back Bay, Boston).
Postdoctoral scholars may register for this course, but will not receive course credit.
Enrollment Limit
This course is limited to 12 students. Priority will be given to the students who will participate in both sessions. Information about specific class location will provided to registered students.
First Session – Tuesday March 17th, 2020, 5:00 – 6:00 PM
• Lecture – RA Capital
Second Session – Tuesday March 31st, 2020, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
• Presentations and feedback – RA Capital
Course Director
Dr. Carl Novina Ph.D.
Course Instructors
Erich Scheller, Director of TechAtlas
Cris Montero-Diaz, Associate Director, TechAtlas
Kate Moreau, Associate Director, TechAtlas
Curriculum Fellow
Brittany Michel (Brittany_Michel@hms.harvard.edu)