Mike Benchimol

Providing technical, operational, and strategy services. Clients in Diagnostics, Cell Therapy, Proteomics, Spatial Biology, Sequencing, and Lab Automation.

Led 30-person engineering and science organization across Oxford, UK and San Diego, CA responsible for developing Hardware, Software, and Bioware products for super-resolution microscopy. Delivered Aplo Scope super-res microscope platform from concept to first customer shipment in 18 months. Achieved 3x larger field of view, better channel separation and dynamic range. Delivered LNP Profiler Kit with AutoLNP for lipid nanoparticle labeling and characterization using ML clustering model.

Delivered Aplo Flow automated sample prep, improving run-to-run repeatability and increasing consumable pull-through. Developed integrated fluidic system for automated fluidics microscopy experiments and highly multiplexed single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) using exchange DNA-PAINT.

Head of Engineering, leading instrument and software development for Cell Sorters, modules, and accessories. Managed the re-architecture of a next-gen image-based Cell Sorter (Verlo) as the project advanced from proof-of-concept to product prototype.

Growing and leading a department of talented multidisciplinary engineers responsible for development of new products and sustaining engineering of on-market systems. Led the development of the WOLF G2 Cell Sorter product line from concept to launch.

Implemented PO to fulfillment process as the company doubled its installed base.  Managed vendor relationships and outsourcing of consumable components.

Primary channel for voice of the customer, engaging through site visits, demos, and trade shows. Bridged commercial and engineering teams to prioritize product improvements, escalate critical defects, and drive timely countermeasures.

Led development of N1 single cell dispensing module – delivered proof-of-concept in 1 month and TUV-certified launch at 1 year. Opened new markets (Cell Line Dev, Single-Cell Genomics).

Developed an optical system for the WOLF to obsolete a major cost component and enable a substantial COGS reduction for the company’s primary consumable.

Founded a biotechnology company to develop and commercialize an ultrasound-responsive nanomedicine for safer and more effective chemotherapy. • Recruited renowned scientist and clinician advisors and team of seasoned pharma executives. • Established collaborations with General Electric and Histogen, Inc. to test new ultrasound technology and proprietary drug in combination with Sonrgy’s nanocarrier platform. • Negotiated exclusive license of core technology from UC. • Completed CONNECT Springboard program. Technical • Developed and tested novel nano-formulations using generic and proprietary therapeutic agents. • Designed and built ultrasound exposure system for 3D automated treatment of rodent tumors. • Filed 2 additional patent applications on ultrasound treatment method and specific formulations. • Set up dedicated nanomedicine manufacturing and ultrasound characterization lab.

Directed the research and development of a novel cell-isolation technology. Served as Co-PI of an SBIR grant awarded for circulating tumor cells isolation. Developed and patented a device and consumable for automated sample ejection, detection, and collection.

Carrying out preclinical demonstrations of cancer treatments aimed at improving effectiveness, and decreasing side effects. Localizing delivery of anti-cancer agents to tumors through nanocarriers activated by focused ultrasound.

Startup focused on next-gen hospital and healthcare technology. Developed proof-of-concept/prototype systems for automated object tracking and detection.

Developed a novel ultrasound-destructable nanocarrier for externally-targeted chemotherapy. Progressed development from concept stage to in vivo demonstration of local delivery with focused ultrasound in tumor models. Produced first ultrasound-quenchable fluorescent particles for high-sensitivity deep tissue imaging. Developed phase-shifting fluorocarbon nanoemulsions for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Design & Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices capable of producing of monodisperse micron-scale liquid emulsions and gas bubbles. Modeled liver sinusoid uptake with macrophages seeded in microchannels. Built free-space optical link between III-V and Si single-photon avalanche diodes for detection of infrared light with CMOS readout.

Served as lead organizer of a business competition which awards ~$100K annually. Assembled panels of judges comprised of industry leaders & experts, intellectual property lawyers, business professors, venture capitalists, and angel investors. Assisted in organizing educational seminars and events of up to 500 people with distinguished guest speakers (e.g. Irwin Jacobs, Keith Ferrazzi, Eric Ries) to teach fundamentals of startups and intellectual property.