Shruti Bagla

Dr. Bagla brings her combined expertise in molecular biology and genetics and her executive leadership skills in the high-tech life sciences sector to the Michigan SBDC Tech Team. She is passionate about innovation and technology in the field of medicine and biotechnology.

In addition to her current role as Business Technology Consultant in Life Sciences at Michigan SBDC, she serves as a Mentor-in-residence at Spartan Innovations (MSU – Research Foundation) and is fostering new startups and the SI partnership in Detroit with the Henry Ford Innovation Institute.

In her previous role as Director of Product Development and later Vice President of Commercial Operations, Dr. Bagla spearheaded the growth of her company Rapid Biosense, a high complexity CLIA Lab. She was instrumental in scaling the lab processes, establishing effective sales and marketing strategies, and expanding business operations across SE Michigan. Under her leadership, the company saw more than 20-fold annual growth in its volume and revenue projections. She also led the development and launch of novel molecular diagnostic tests, diversifying the company’s offerings and cementing its place in the competitive life sciences market. Her ability to transition seamlessly from the lab to the executive board is evident in her achievements, from establishing and growing a high-complexity CLIA lab to mentoring high-growth life science startup companies from concept to commercialization.

At the Michigan SBDC, Shruti channels her expertise in the following areas:

• Life Science Business Consulting: Aids high-tech companies in Michigan in their journey from ideation to commercialization. This includes assisting early-stage companies in building robust business models, value propositions and market strategies.
• Grant and Other Funding Assistance: Provides invaluable support to life science companies in preparing SBIR grants for NIH and NSF, Project pitch and unsolicited DHA proposals. Explains and answers questions regarding Local and Business Accelerator Funds. Supports and reviews funding-related documents including executive summary and grant proposals.
• Customer Discovery and I-Corps: Assists life science companies in their customer discovery journey, including market ecosystem development, customer role identification, product/market alignment and technology validation to minimize bias.
• Strategic Partnerships: Harnesses her extensive network to connect life science companies with business accelerators, funding opportunities, potential collaborators and partners for R&D, prototype development, contract manufacturing and other resources vital for growth.

Dr. Bagla is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Wayne State University, where she studied epilepsy followed by her research in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Panjab University, India. She has contributed significantly to scientific literature and has been featured in prominent platforms like Wayne State University’s Graduate School Newsletter and RapidBio’s company article in Crain’s Detroit Business.