Kalen Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Informuta, our 2024 BioChallenge Winner, talked with NOBIC about her startup journey and how BioChallenge brings Informuta closer to their mission.
What inspired you to create Informuta, and how did you identify the gap it fills in the biotech industry?
Informuta was born from the collaborative research of myself and my co-founder, Leo Williams, during our PhD studies. My work focused on infections prone to multidrug resistance, while Leo was developing computational techniques for cancer research. With guidance from our shared mentor, Zac Pursell, Leo applied his methods to the bacteria I was studying. The results were groundbreaking—our combined efforts revealed promising translational data with clear diagnostic applications. Just two months later, we entered our first pitch competition and Informuta began to take shape. This journey was supported by incredible mentors like Zac Pursell and Lisa Morici.
What were some valuable lessons from winning the BioChallenge, and how will the funds be used?
Winning the BioChallenge pitch competition was a pivotal moment for Informuta. The experience offered invaluable face time with the biotech community and opened doors to key stakeholders, including one-on-one meetings with BARDA representatives. These connections have been instrumental as we prepare to apply for BARDA funding and contracts. The prize funds support a clinical study with Ochsner that focuses on a cohort of 200 patients, targeting a specific bacterial species in pneumonia, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections.
How do you envision Informuta impacting the biotech field, and what are some of your main goals?
At Informuta, we aim to tackle one of the most pressing global health crises: antibiotic resistance. Our diagnostic platform stands out because it can predict future drug resistances—a game-changer in patient care. Our ultimate vision is to re-incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop antibiotics, addressing the global threat posed by resistance. Decades ago, many pharma companies ceased antibiotic development due to lengthy and costly development timelines just to have their new drug shelved for ‘last-resort’ due to concerns over arising resistance. With diagnostics like ours that focus on a precision medicine approach and can immediately direct clinicians to newer last-line treatments if needed, we hope to reignite innovation in this critical field.
What challenges have you faced as entrepreneurs in the biotech sector?
Transitioning from a scientific background to a CEO role has been both challenging and rewarding. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I’ve faced skepticism about my abilities—especially as a technical founder without formal business training. However, I’ve leaned heavily on resources like Tulane’s Innovation Institute and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center to build my business acumen. My PhD taught me how to learn and adapt quickly, which has been invaluable in overcoming these obstacles.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in science and technology fields?
Entrepreneurship is like science—you start with a hypothesis and rigorously test it before moving forward. My advice is simple: don’t assume you know everything; validate your ideas and seek feedback early and often. Execution is key, so don’t be afraid to be vulnerable or ask for help. Networking has been one of the most powerful tools for Informuta’s success—it’s all about meeting the right person at the right time.
What has been something you have enjoyed that surprised you along your startup journey?
What has surprised me most about this journey is how much I enjoy being a CEO. During my PhD, I was the only one in my class who wanted to pursue academia and run a lab. Informuta has allowed me to fulfill that dream while also embracing the dynamic challenges of leading a company. It’s fun, ever-changing, and endlessly rewarding—exactly what I hoped for in my career. Informuta’s story is one of innovation fueled by passion and collaboration. As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: revolutionizing infectious disease treatment through cutting-edge diagnostics and precision medicine solutions.