Bridging Academia and Industry: An Interview with Dr. Clare Huang Fu on AI-Driven Drug Discovery and Entrepreneurship

In addition to her academic role, she co-founded ATP BioPharm, a biotech startup that integrates AI-driven drug discovery to accelerate the development of novel treatments. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of commercializing research, and the future of AI-powered drug development.

1. Could you share your academic background and professional journey?

I am Wei-Chun Huang Fu, but most people know me as Clare. My academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Toxicology from North Carolina State University, followed by postdoctoral research in Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Currently, I am an Associate Professor at Taipei Medical University, where I specialize in drug pharmacology, efficacy evaluation, and preclinical toxicology experiments. Beyond my academic role, I am actively involved in ATP BioPharm, a startup dedicated to AI-driven drug discovery, bridging scientific innovation with real-world medical applications.

2. What inspired the establishment of ATP BioPharm, and what challenges does it address?

ATP BioPharm is a biotech startup spun off from Taipei Medical University, co-founded by Prof. Shiow-Lin Pan and Prof. Jing-Ping Liu, and Prof. Jia-Rong Yang from National Taiwan University (NTU).

Our mission is to develop AI-assisted small-molecule drugs for rare diseases and unmet clinical needs. The drug development process is traditionally lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive. By integrating AI-driven drug discovery, ATP BioPharm aims to:

• Accelerate drug candidate identification, ensuring synthesizability and patentability.
• Enhance pharmacological and efficacy evaluations, expediting preclinical testing.
• Improve translational research, bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical applications.

With strategic collaborations with National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei Medical University Hospital, we are working toward sustainable and scalable drug development solutions.

3. What motivated your transition from academia to entrepreneurship?

In academia, transforming research into market-ready treatments is a major challenge. While fundamental research is critical, universities often face funding constraints and limited resources for commercializing early-stage drug discoveries.

Our team sought to bridge this gap—translating academic breakthroughs into viable treatments. Through ATP BioPharm, we leverage AI-driven drug discovery to make drug development faster, more precise, and cost-effective, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.

4. What are the key differences between academic research and industry-driven drug development?

The primary distinction lies in research focus and application:

• Academia prioritizes discovery and knowledge expansion, often focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of diseases.
• Industry is market-driven, emphasizing product development, regulatory approval, and commercialization.

Funding mechanisms also differ:

• Academia relies on government grants from institutions like the National Science and Technology Council.
• Startups must actively seek private investments, delivering compelling business proposals to secure funding.

This transition required me to develop a business mindset—learning how to communicate scientific research in a commercially viable way.

5. How did accelerator programs and mentorship shape your entrepreneurial journey?

Participation in the Taiwan-Berkeley Health Innovations Accelerator, supported by the National Development Council, was instrumental in our startup’s growth. Unlike general startup programs, this accelerator provided:

• Specialized training in biomedical commercialization, tailored to the challenges of drug development.
• One-on-one mentorship from industry experts, offering strategic guidance on fundraising, corporate structuring, and market entry.
• Networking opportunities with angel investors and venture capitalists, helping us secure potential funding and partnerships.

Having a mentor was particularly valuable. Our assigned mentor, George, an attorney specializing in IPOs and M&A, provided legal insights and investor connections, which played a crucial role in shaping our fundraising strategy.

6. What are the biggest challenges in securing investment for biotech startups?

Unlike IT startups, where companies can launch quickly and generate early revenue, biotech startups require long-term investment due to:

• Extensive regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA approvals).
• High development costs, often amounting to billions of dollars.
• Prolonged clinical trials, sometimes spanning decades.

To attract investors, we had to:

• Increase visibility through global conferences and accelerator programs.
• Establish credibility through strategic partnerships and academic collaborations.
• Develop a compelling business narrative, articulating how our technology differentiates us from competitors.

Beyond securing funding, choosing the right investors is critical. Experienced investors can facilitate regulatory navigation, assist in technology transfers, and enhance long-term company growth.

7. What are the key lessons learned from commercializing research?

Commercializing scientific discoveries involves far more than laboratory success—it requires a holistic approach, including:

• Regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to global safety and efficacy standards.
• Market validation, assessing demand and competitive positioning.
• Corporate structuring, developing a robust business model for long-term sustainability.

Additionally, storytelling is as important as the science itself. Investors and stakeholders need to see the practical impact of research. Communicating research in a way that demonstrates real-world application and commercial potential is key.

8. What does the future hold for ATP BioPharm and AI-driven drug discovery?

ATP BioPharm aims to advance AI-powered drug discovery by:

• Expanding AI-driven small-molecule drug development for rare and underserved diseases.
• Strengthening industry-academic partnerships to facilitate faster drug commercialization.
• Positioning itself as a leader in AI-assisted pharmaceutical research, revolutionizing traditional drug development processes.

With AI-driven advancements, we can reduce development timelines, optimize resource allocation, and bring life-saving treatments to market faster. Our ultimate goal is to make innovative therapies accessible to patients worldwide.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Dr. Clare Huang Fu’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of AI-driven research, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaboration. By bridging fundamental science with commercial applications, TMU is pioneering the next generation of drug discovery.

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