Read Our Q&A with 2025 BioChallenge Winner Dr. Samantha Scott, CEO and Founder of JuneBrain
Background and Startup Journey
Q: What inspired you to start JuneBrain and how has your personal experience as a neuroscientist and founder shaped your mission?
Samantha: My journey began as an engineering student fascinated by neuroscience. During my PhD, I specialized in ophthalmology and worked on site restoration models that combined laboratory research with startup collaborations focused on combating blindness. That experience deepened my understanding of the eye-brain connection.
JuneBrain was born from a very personal turning point. Toward the end of my PhD, I became progressively ill. It took five years and countless specialists before an eye doctor—rather than the many neurologists I had seen—finally diagnosed my neuromuscular disorder. My husband kept reminding me that I should solve this problem myself. So I did.
I spent the first year developing the prototype for what is now our NeuroEye™ device and filing the initial patents. Forming JuneBrain was actually a requirement for a grant—but it quickly evolved into something much bigger.
Being a disabled founder has shaped how I lead. I can’t “hustle” in the traditional startup sense, so my approach and our company culture are rooted in adaptability and empathy. Living with disability forces creativity every day, and that mindset drives innovation within our team. We’re deeply focused on customer discovery and patient satisfaction, talking directly with patients and their providers. Our team itself is neurodiverse and physically diverse, which means we naturally look at problems from many different perspectives.
Q: How did you first hear about the BioChallenge, and what made you decide to participate?
Samantha: I first heard about the BioChallenge from Melissa at Johns Hopkins Tech Ventures. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get selected when I applied. Then I met Scott at NOBIC—he was incredibly encouraging and helped us refine our pitch. The entire environment was so supportive, both leading up to and following the competition.
Through the BioChallenge network, we’ve also connected with phenomenal collaborators in New Orleans’ ecosystem. We now have ongoing discussions with Ochsner and Tulane for potential clinical partnerships.
Technology and Innovation
Q: What sets your AI-powered retinal imaging platform apart in the field of brain health monitoring?
Samantha: Our approach is twofold. On the device side, our key goal is accessibility. That means making the device affordable for clinics and easy to use for people with disabilities. It’s simple, automated, and portable—so we can bring high-quality retinal imaging to communities that otherwise don’t have access to it.
The AI is the other crucial component. It tailors results based on who’s viewing them. Ophthalmologists like detailed images and metrics, while neurologists care about specific biomarkers. Our platform customizes the information accordingly, creating dedicated portals for each type of professional.
Q: What technical or design challenges did you face during development, and how did you overcome them?
Samantha: One of our biggest challenges was designing a wearable headset that maintained perfect alignment between the laser light and the patient’s eye while staying comfortable to wear. It took multiple clinical trials, user feedback, and iterative design testing to get it right.
Q: How does your solution help close gaps in access and equity for neurological care?
Samantha: Patient feedback has shown us that those most excited about our technology are often from rural or underserved communities. Many of their patients travel hours to see an ophthalmologist with the right equipment. Our portable device addresses that by bringing diagnostics to them instead of the other way around.
BioChallenge Experience
Q: How did your team prepare for the pitch, and what impact did the BioChallenge and NOBIC community have?
Samantha: Scott was phenomenal—I hope every team gets to work with him! He met with us twice before the final pitch. In the first meeting, we refined our general presentation. In the second, he helped tailor it for the audience, which he explained had a strong neuro focus. That insight led us to add more clinical data, health economics, and storytelling elements. By the time we arrived in New Orleans, we were confident and ready.
Q: What impact has winning—and being named Audience Favorite—had on JuneBrain’s progress?
Samantha: The visibility has been incredible. Investors started reaching out immediately after the BioChallenge. Our social media campaign also gained significant traction, and we recently secured a $250K funding commitment. Even a major pharmaceutical company with an Alzheimer’s portfolio contacted us after hearing about our win. It’s opened so many doors on the fundraising and partnership fronts.
Impact and Future Vision
Q: How do you see JuneBrain’s technology shaping the future of neurology and patient care?
Samantha: Beyond accessibility, we’re focused on breaking down silos in healthcare. In my own diagnostic journey, one of the biggest hurdles was the lack of communication among specialists. Our goal is to create a shared platform where data encourages collaboration between ophthalmologists, neurologists, and other providers—because when doctors share insights, patients win.
Q: What are your immediate and long-term goals after this win?
Samantha: We have three major milestones ahead:
- Fundraising.
- Revenue generation.
- FDA submission and clearance leading to a go-to-market launch.
Lessons and Advice
Q: What advice would you give startups considering applying to the BioChallenge or working with NOBIC?
Samantha: Just go for it—and be open to feedback. I’ve already told several friends in neuroscience to apply for BioChallenge 2026. There’s so much innovation happening in neuro, yet it’s still underfunded despite affecting everyone. The support and exposure you get through NOBIC are invaluable.
Q: Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your past self as a founder?
Samantha: Calm down! [laughs] Really—just take a break sometimes. I used to push myself nonstop, but becoming a mom changed that. My five-year-old has taught me the value of slowing down. It’s okay to not do everything every day. Check a few things off your list and let that be enough.