Innovation Night 2025 Digital Program
INNOVATION NIGHT 2025 SCHEDULE
5:30 | Drinks and mingling
6:30 | La Jolla Playhouse and PNC Bank videos, Tribute to Dr. Martha G. Dennis
7:00 | Oddisea: Performance by Animal Cracker Conspiracy and Chunky Hustle Brass Band
7:10 | DJ Shammy Dee
A Letter from Christopher Ashley and Debby Buchholz
Welcome to La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025 Innovation Night!
We’re so delighted to have you join us for an evening that celebrates creativity, collaboration and discovery. Innovation Night is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in San Diego, and we invite you to connect with visionary leaders from San Diego’s thriving innovation community, explore the Innovation Gallery and enjoy the incredible food and drink from our generous local partners.
Tonight, we are honored to recognize Dr. Martha G. Dennis – a trailblazer whose pioneering work in telecommunications, technology and business has shaped industries and inspired generations. Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Dennis has given deeply of herself to strengthen our region through mentorship, philanthropy and advocacy for the arts and sciences. Her inventive spirit and unwavering commitment to progress embody the essence of Innovation Night and the Playhouse’s own mission: to create what’s new and next in American theatre.
Since its launch in 2007, Innovation Night has raised vital funds to support the Playhouse’s bold artistic work—fueling our new play development programs, Without Walls (WOW) Festival and ongoing artist residencies and commissions. Your participation tonight helps us continue to nurture artists, spark dialogue and expand what theatre can be.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, PNC Bank; Founding Sponsor, Cooley; Lead Sponsors, BioMed Realty, Qualcomm and UC San Diego; and Host Sponsors, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Prebys Foundation and Show Imaging. Their partnership—along with the support of so many others recognized in this program—makes a profound impact on our work and our community.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to the extraordinary Innovation Night 2025 Co-Chairs—Adam Jacobs, President of Zxōm Inc.; Tim Scott, President & CEO of Biocom California; and Mary Walshok, Ph.D., Retired Associate Vice Chancellor of UC San Diego and to our tireless Host Committee for their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment.
Finally, thank you to you – our guests, supporters and friends – for making the 17th annual Innovation Night possible. Your passion and generosity fuel the Playhouse’s pursuit of innovation onstage and beyond, ensuring that San Diego continues to shine as a hub of creativity and inspiration.
With gratitude and excitement,
Christopher Ashley
The Rich Family Artistic Director
Debby Buchholz
Managing Director
HONORARY CHAIR: DR. MARTHA G. DENNIS
During her 50-year career, Dr. Dennis has been a telecommunications technologist, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, becoming a leader in the technology and software industries in San Diego since starting her career in the 1970s. La Jolla Playhouse takes great pride in acknowledging and commemorating Dr. Dennis’ exceptional contributions to our region.
Martha holds a doctorate from Harvard University in Applied Mathematics (Computer Science) and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Smith College. She was the recipient of an Athena “Pinnacle Award” for Technology, a “Women Who Mean Business” award, recognition as an American Heart Association “Legendary Woman of the Heart,” recognition as a “Woman of Dedication” from the Salvation Army, a “Cool Woman” award from the Girl Scouts and a Founder’s Medal from the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. She is also a member of Sigma Xi, the San Diego Rotary Club 33, the Wednesday Club and the International Women’s Forum (The Trusteeship).
Currently, Martha is Principal at Gordion Knot, an advisory firm to emerging technology business in San Diego, and serves as a Director of Mundoval (NASDAQ: MUNDX). Formerly she was a Venture Partner with Windward Ventures, a firm that invested in early-stage Southern California technology companies. Previously, Martha was Co-founder and President and CEO of WaveWare Communications, Inc., which sold software for wireless handheld connectivity. Prior to that, Martha co-founded Pacific Communications Sciences, Inc., a San Diego wireless communications equipment company that was acquired by Cirrus Logic. Earlier, Martha led software development at Linkabit Corp. as Assistant Vice President. She served as Chairman of the Board of Netsapiens, Inc. which was acquired by Crexendo in June 2021. In addition, she served as Director of SpaceMicro which was acquired by Voyager Space Holdings in December 2021.
Martha and her husband, Dr. Edward Dennis, are active philanthropists in San Diego and have each demonstrated exceptional civic and charitable leadership through their ever-growing service, dedication and ability to inspire others to engage deeply with the organizations they support. They have been supporters of La Jolla Playhouse, where Ed has been involved in Board Leadership for more than three decades. Martha has been Chair or President of several boards and commissions including La Jolla Music Society, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the Bishop’s School, The Charter One Hundred, Athena, the City of San Diego Science & Technology Commission, the San Diego Telecommunications Industry Association and the Dean’s Council of Advisors of the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. She is currently on the Board of Directors at the San Diego Symphony. She is also an Emerita Board Member of Harvey Mudd College, of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the UC San Diego Rady School of Management and of inewsource. In addition, she has been a trustee of the Tech Coast Angels, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Foundation, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and the YMCA of San Diego County. She has been on the Advisory Board of CALIT2 and a member of Chairmen’s RoundTable.
INNOVATION NIGHT 2025 CO-CHAIRS
Adam Jacobs
President,
Xzōm, Inc.
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Adam Jacobs is the President of Xzōm Inc., a biotech startup dedicated to making early disease detection accessible to all through a low-cost, easy-to-use, point-of-care platform. He is also the Co-Founder of The Jacobs Scheriff Group, a business consulting firm with a mission to support companies and organizations whose products or services create positive social impact.
Adam believes that meaningful change can be driven by both for-profit and non-profit ventures. He currently serves on the Cornell Tech Council and is Vice Chair of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC). He recently co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games & ACCESS, a week-long event that brought together 1,800 Jewish teens from around the world for athletic competition, community service, and learning through sport. This included piloting an inclusive program for both neurotypical and neurodivergent participants.
He is also Co-Chair of La Jolla Playhouse’s Innovation Night, an event that brings together San Diego’s top technology companies to share ideas and showcase projects. Adam remains deeply involved in a wide range of non-profit initiatives, including the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Symphony, Jewish Community Foundation, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Jewish Family Service, San Diego Homeless Diversion Fund, and efforts targeting housing, homelessness, and food insecurity.
Previously, Adam served as Chair of the Board for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. He invests in and advises several mission-driven startups focused on social impact. He is a member of The Giving Pledge NextGen Cohort and a former member of Forward Global (formerly The Philanthropy Workshop). In addition to his professional and philanthropic work, Adam also owns several real estate rental properties.
A San Diego native, Adam graduated from Cornell University in 2009 with a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management and a minor in Communication. While at Cornell, he was a catcher and three-year captain of the varsity baseball team. After college, he went on to play professional baseball across the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Australia.
In his free time, Adam enjoys playing tennis and cheering on the San Diego Padres and Edmonton Oilers. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Amy, their children Aylana (Ayla) and Arlian (Arli), their dogs Zelle, Torrey, and Luno, and their tortoise, Squirt.
Tim Scott
President and CEO,
Biocom California
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Tim Scott is President and CEO of AustinPx, a technology company enhancing the pharmacokinetics of critical medicines. He is the co-founder and Executive Board Chair of TEGA Therapeutics, a glycobiology company focused on lysosomal storage disorders and recombinant heparan sulfates. He previously was co-founder and President of Pharmatek Laboratories, a contract development and manufacturing company (sold to Catalent Pharma Solutions in 2016). Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President at Active.com (IPO 2011). Mr. Scott serves on the Board of Avelas, a bioscience company working to create better outcomes for cancer patients with its activatable cell-penetrating peptide technology. He also serves on the board of DTx, a biotechnology company using fatty acid motifs to deliver RNA therapeutics. He previously served on the board of Zacharon Pharmaceuticals (sold to Biomarin 2014). Mr. Scott has founded or supported multiple spinouts from UC San Diego including Zacharon, TEGA, LipoNexus, Knoubis Bio, Nerio and Augment. Mr. Scott is immediate past Executive Board Chair of CONNECT, a non-profit organization helping to create and scale innovation companies in San Diego. He serves as Chair of BIOCOM, a non-profit organization supporting the needs of bio/pharma companies in California. Mr. Scott serves on the Medical Research Advisory Committee for the Conrad Prebys Foundation, providing grants to innovative research in the health sciences. At UC San Diego, he serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Division of Biological Sciences. In the community, Mr. Scott is a trustee for the La Jolla Playhouse, a Tony-award winning regional theatre. And he serves on the board of Outside the Lens, a non-profit providing photography and digital media programs for underserved youth. Mr. Scott earned his B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his J.D. from the University of San Diego and is a member of the California Bar.
Mary Walshok, Ph.D.
Retired Associate Vice Chancellor, UC San Diego
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Walshok led the continuing education and public programs arm of UC San Diego from 1981 to 2021. As Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Programs, Walshok played an active role in helping the university expand its local impact, national reputation and global reach. She led a campus-wide effort to establish a significant presence for the university in downtown San Diego on the trolley line which runs from the US-Mexico border all the way to the UCSD campus. UC San Diego Park & Market is a major effort to link the wide array of arts, culture, science, medicine, economic and civic programs of UC San Diego with the needs and aspirations of the region through collaborative research, timely education programs, informative public events, as well as the performing arts, special exhibitions and cinema programs.
HOST COMMITTEE
Denise Bevers | Co-founder, President& CEO; VetmAb Bio
Tasia Blazevich | Managing Director, Deloitte
Matthew Bosinger | Corporate Director of Leisure Sales & Partnerships, The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Daniel Bradbury | Managing Member, BioBrit, LLC
Ann Chaplin | Registered In- House Counsel, Qualcomm
Stephan Coleman | Market Managing Director, PNC Bank
David Crean | Managing Partner, Cardiff Advisory
Matthew D’Alessandro | Senior VP, PNC Bank
Brett D’Arcy | Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager, D’Arcy Capital
Susan Dubé | Founder & CFO, Sorriso Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Hal Dunning | President, Emeritus, Marsh McLennan Agency
Luke Gulley | Director of Sales and Producer of Special Events, Show Imaging
David Hale | Chairman and CEO, Hale BioPharmaVentures
Kelly Hayes | Principal, Financial Services, Ernst & Young, LLP
Nishma Held | Associate Director Corporate Counsel, CareDx
Greg Horowitt | Director of Innovation & Design, UC San Diego
Bryan Knox | General Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Mike Krenn | Managing Director – Prebys Ventures, Prebys Foundation
Derek Legg | Senior Director, Corporate and Community Partnerships, University of San Diego
Alyssa Levin | CFO, Radionetics Oncology
Lynelle Lynch | CEO, Bellus Academy
James Mackay | Founder and CEO, Kateran Consulting, Inc
Hala Madanat | Vice President of Research and Innovation, San Diego State University
Stanley Maloy | Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation, San Diego State University
David Marchesani | CEO & Founder, Iapetus Capital
Kurt Marek | Chief Research Officer, Sanford Burnham Prebys
Sabrina Martucci Johnson | CEO &Founder, Daré Bioscience, Inc.
Kerry Millar | Principal Strategy & Operations, Deloitte
Chris Montgomery | SVP, Business Development, CNM LLP
Juli Moran | SD Office Marketplace Leader, Deloitte
Tom Murphy | Partner, Calibre One
Albert “Al” P. Pisano, Ph.D. | Dean, UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Ivor and Colette Royston | Carson Royston Group
J’Keren Sears | Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Alaska Airlines
Trent Selbrede | General Manager, Residence Inn – Marriott
Scott Stanton | Managing Member, Mintz
Ian Stone | President, LifeSci Communications
Kelly Thomson | Regional Managing Director, Ascent Capital Management
Erin Trenda | Litigation Partner, Cooley
Sara Vaz | Director of Busness and Community Collaboration, CSU San Marcos
John Wieland | Industry Director – Biotechnology, Thermo Fisher Scientific
James Zanewicz | CEO, Connect
INNOVATION NIGHT 2025 SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR | LEAD SPONSORS | HOST SPONSORS | CO-HOST SPONSORS | IN-KIND AND MEDIA SPONSORS | ‘FRIENDS OF MARTHA’ CIRCLE
WHO WE ARE
For nearly 160 years, PNC has been dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals with trusted guidance, innovative solutions, and financial expertise. Today, we are proud to be one of the nation’s largest diversified financial institutions, serving individuals and families, small businesses, corporations, and government entities alike. Whether your needs are simple or complex, we offer the knowledge, resources, and personalized support to help you succeed.
WHY THIS EVENT?
On behalf of our entire team at PNC Bank, we are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Innovation Night. For a fourth consecutive year, PNC is proud to partner with the visionary La Jolla Playhouse in raising vital funds to support the next generation of American theatre and to spark collaboration between San Diego’s artists, innovators and business leaders.
PNC has long been a champion of the arts, and since establishing our presence in San Diego in 2021, we have also been deeply engaged in supporting the region’s innovation economy. Innovation Night reflects the shared spirit of creativity that drives both the stage and the marketplace — whether through compelling performances, pioneering research, groundbreaking technologies or bold new ventures.
This celebration underscores the essential role of imagination in shaping our future, reminding us that the arts, sciences, technology and entrepreneurship are not separate paths but interconnected forces of progress. It is in this spirit that we honor Martha Dennis, a telecommunications pioneer and entrepreneur whose leadership has transformed industries and inspired generations of innovators.
WHO WE ARE
Biocom California is the leading voice and partner for California’s life science industry, one of the top sectors in the world’s fourth-largest economy. We accelerate member success through bold advocacy, strategic cost savings, capital access, high-impact networking and workforce development. Since our founding in 1995 in San Diego, we have empowered our members to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions, helping to drive innovation that improves lives, strengthens economies and shapes a healthier, more sustainable future. With headquarters in San Diego and offices in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, Biocom California unites and strengthens the ecosystem powering health innovation and economic progress.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Biocom California is honored to support Innovation Night, a signature celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration at the intersection of arts and sciences. This year’s event is especially meaningful as we come together to recognize Dr. Martha G. Dennis, a trailblazing leader whose career has shaped San Diego’s technology and innovation landscape and whose philanthropic contributions continue to inspire. Her achievements exemplify the impact of women in science, technology, and business, and reflect the same pioneering spirit that drives our life science community forward. We are proud to join La Jolla Playhouse in celebrating Dr. Dennis’ legacy while supporting innovation that uplifts both the arts and the industries that define our region as a global leader.
WHO WE ARE
Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law. Cooley has 1,300+ lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Cooley is proud to be a lead sponsor of La Jolla Playhouse’s Innovation Night because it reflects two of our key values: fostering innovation and giving back to our communities. We celebrate and embrace our ability to serve as a member of San Diego’s vibrant arts and tech community.
WHO WE ARE
Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. Our portfolio of leading innovations allows us to efficiently scale the technologies that launched the mobile revolution – including advanced connectivity, high-performance, low-power compute, on-device intelligence and more – to the next generation of connected smart devices across industries. Innovations from Qualcomm and our family of Snapdragon platforms will help enable cloud-edge convergence, transform industries, accelerate the digital economy, and revolutionize how we experience the world, for the greater good.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs’ passion for the arts, and giving back to the community, inspired the company’s executive sponsorship of the La Jolla Playhouse in 2000. We are thrilled to take part in Innovation night to demonstrate some of our latest technologies and learn from our community partners.
WHO WE ARE
Founded as an experiment in 1960, UC San Diego and its scholars aren’t afraid to challenge convention if it means we can accelerate answers to our society’s most pressing issues. As the #1 Public College for Research in the nation and one of the top 20 research universities in the world, we are driving change far beyond our walls to advance society and propel economic growth. And the world has taken notice.
UC San Diego’s main campus is located near the Pacific Ocean on approximately 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in La Jolla, California. The campus sits on the ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay Nation. Kumeyaay people continue to have an important and thriving presence in the region. UC San Diego’s rich academic portfolio includes eleven academic, professional and graduate schools and eight undergraduate residential colleges. UC San Diego is also home to the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the UC San Diego Health System.
WHY THIS EVENT?
UC San Diego is proud to support La Jolla Playhouse Innovation Night, helping to foster a community of innovation and collaboration. A top-5 university for startup creation nationwide, UC San Diego’s vibrant, creative ecosystem and collaborative, entrepreneurial culture has developed a constellation of innovation communities that comprise students, researchers, faculty, investors and companies. The seven accelerators on campus demonstrate our commitment to vastly accelerate the creation of investor-ready companies by providing the education, industry-specific guidance and critical resources has generated more than 190 active startups founded by students or faculty.
UC San Diego is well on its way to becoming a global leader in AI, with the largest and youngest group of AI faculty and AI research capabilities integrated in multidisciplinary cross-campus teams, including Healthcare, Fusion, Cybersecurity, Planetary Sciences and Defense.
WHO WE ARE
Step into the timeless Craftsman charm of The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Overlooking the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course with views of the Pacific Ocean, the AAA Five Diamond resort offers world-class dining, a full-service spa, exceptional service, and 170 rooms and suites designed in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The Lodge was recognized in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards as the #1 resort in San Diego and is also a proud member of the California Green Lodging Program. For additional information, please visit LodgeTorreyPines.com.
WHY THIS EVENT?
The Lodge has been a proud neighbor and seasoned sponsor of La Jolla Playhouse for more than a decade. We are honored to once again support Innovation Night’s mission to highlight the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who make San Diego such an extraordinary place to live, work, and create.
WHO WE ARE
The Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County. Dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all, the Foundation invests in four program areas: arts and culture, youth success, health and well-being, and medical research. Learn more at prebysfdn.org.
WHY THIS EVENT?
At Prebys Foundation, we believe arts and culture are a vital pillar of public life. They shape our civic identity, attract and inspire our creative workforce, spark innovation, and build empathy and connection across communities. La Jolla Playhouse exemplifies this spirit—consistently pushing boundaries through new work development, artist residencies, and its WOW Festival.
Innovation Night offers an ideal moment to celebrate how the arts spark ingenuity and connection across San Diego. It brings together leaders across industries to celebrate creativity and ingenuity while spotlighting the Playhouse’s role in making San Diego a place where the arts and innovation thrive together. We’re especially proud to join this year alongside our board director, Mary Walshok, Ph.D., who is serving as a co-chair of the event.
Established in San Diego, CA in 2009, Show Imaging was known as the group of producers who refused to say “no” to the crazy and seemingly impossible.
Over the years, Show Imaging has grown as a community of unique creators who come from every background to build all aspects of premier experiences. With a team of creative producers and the acquisition of state of the art technology, Show Imaging was able to build and grow several departments including creative, fabrication, show services and software to support the needs of our customers.
Today, Show Imaging is at the forefront of experience curation for clients worldwide. With a team of over 200 people spread across six depots nationwide, we share a vision to build a premiere global community where diverse talents converge.
WHO WE ARE
Alaska Airlines is soaring into a new era of innovation and growth. With our acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, new global routes to London, Rome, Japan and Korea, and the arrival of our Boeing 787 Dreamliners, we’re taking West Coast hospitality further than ever before. We’re also upgrading our First Class and Premium Class experiences, giving guests more comfort and style on every journey.
WHY THIS EVENT?
As we expand our presence in San Diego, one of our fastest-growing hubs, we’re proud to connect communities and reimagine what it means to fly. Our participation in Innovation Night, alongside our incredible community partners, reflects our shared commitment to shaping a better future together.
The future is bright, come fly with us!
WHO WE ARE
Biocom California is the leading voice and partner for California’s life science industry, one of the top sectors in the world’s fourth-largest economy. We accelerate member success through bold advocacy, strategic cost savings, capital access, high-impact networking and workforce development. Since our founding in 1995 in San Diego, we have empowered our members to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions, helping to drive innovation that improves lives, strengthens economies and shapes a healthier, more sustainable future. With headquarters in San Diego and offices in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, Biocom California unites and strengthens the ecosystem powering health innovation and economic progress.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Biocom California is honored to support Innovation Night, a signature celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration at the intersection of arts and sciences. This year’s event is especially meaningful as we come together to recognize Dr. Martha G. Dennis, a trailblazing leader whose career has shaped San Diego’s technology and innovation landscape and whose philanthropic contributions continue to inspire. Her achievements exemplify the impact of women in science, technology, and business, and reflect the same pioneering spirit that drives our life science community forward. We are proud to join La Jolla Playhouse in celebrating Dr. Dennis’ legacy while supporting innovation that uplifts both the arts and the industries that define our region as a global leader.
WHO WE ARE
With more than 500 local professionals and over 150 accountants, EY is one of the largest professional services firms in San Diego and around the world. The firm works across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
WHY THIS EVENT?
With its combination of arts and sciences, Innovation Night encapsulates so much of what EY admires about the San Diego business community. We care deeply about the La Jolla Playhouse’s storytelling mission, and we relish the chance to build even stronger connections with leaders and innovators from across our city.
Marsh McLennan Agency LLC (MMA) is a full-service insurance brokerage and consulting firm that helps organizations with their business insurance and employee health and benefits needs. MMA was founded in 2009 and is a subsidiary of the professional services firm Marsh McLennan (MM), which operates in more than 130 countries and had revenue of 24 billion last year.
MMA was established as a separate operating subsidiary of Marsh, to redefine the way we serve our growing clients. We offer national broker resources, expertise and buying power with all the benefits of a local broker relationship. In addition, our services are provided in-house with a consistent and educated team dedicated to serving your needs. Marsh McLennan is also the parent company of Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; and Oliver Wyman, the management consultancy.
Built through acquisition of strong local firms, MMA enhanced their national expertise with approximately 15,000 employees and unparalleled resources. MMA represents over clients and places over $ 8.8 billion in premium nationally. The firm was established to meet the needs of middle-market businesses and government entities in the U.S. and operates independently from Marsh to offer programs and services specifically designed for this area of the market.
WHO WE ARE
Residence Inn La Jolla has been a neighbor and supporter of La Jolla Playhouse for almost 40 years. Built for long or short stays, our amazing associates make you feel part of the family from day one. Our larger guest suites include full kitchens, free breakfast, and laundry facilities. Residence Inn feels like a home away from home.
WHY THIS EVENT?
More than a business that lives and loves creativity, we are part of the La Jolla community. This event brings together many mutual partners and inspiring minds to create and deepen connections that support the remarkable work of La Jolla Playhouse.
WHO WE ARE
San Diego State University is a transformative R1 institution. SDSU’s Division of Research and Innovation fosters technology transfer from idea to impact, cultivates university-industry partnerships and offers award-winning entrepreneurship training to students, faculty and alumni. These initiatives are set to expand into the 1.6 million square feet of office, technology, laboratory and research space to be housed within the innovation district at SDSU Mission Valley.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Our SDSU representatives, including budding entrepreneurs and successful founders from our on-campus accelerator and incubator, are excited to connect and share their experiences with fellow innovators in our San Diego community.
WHO WE ARE
Since 1976, Sanford Burnham Prebys has been dedicated to pushing biomedical discoveries faster and further toward clinical treatment and therapies that improve human lives.
As a leading nonprofit biomedical research institute, our collaborative approach and pioneering research has produced breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology and children’s diseases.
Our deep expertise in fundamental biology and modern technologies, such as data science and AI, make us one of the most innovative and comprehensive drug discovery centers in the world, anchored by an NCI-designated cancer center.Located in the heart of San Diego’s global research hub, we collaborate with regional, national and international institutions in academia and industry, and partner with established and startup biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to advance basic research to clinical trials and treatments. At the same time, our graduate school and education programs inspire and train future scientists to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders in biomedical research, clinical care and improving health and lives.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Sanford Burnham Prebys is proud to partner with the La Jolla Playhouse because both institutions are driven by a shared passion for creativity, discovery, and impact. This collaboration celebrates the powerful intersection of art and science, two fields that thrive on imagination, bold thinking, and the courage to explore the unknown. Just as great art can spark new perspectives, great research can lead to breakthroughs that change lives. By coming together, we honor the spirit of innovation that fuels both our missions and inspires our communities.
WHO WE ARE
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com
WHY THIS EVENT?
Thermo Fisher Scientific is proud to support La Jolla Playhouse Innovation Night as part of our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement. As a global leader in scientific research and development, we recognize the importance of the arts in inspiring new ideas and perspectives. By supporting this event, we aim to bridge the gap between science and the arts, encouraging a culture of innovation that benefits both fields. Our partnership with La Jolla Playhouse reflects our dedication to nurturing talent, promoting cultural enrichment, and contributing to the vibrant community of La Jolla. Together, we celebrate the power of creativity to drive progress and make a positive impact on society.
WHO WE ARE
The Jacobs Center for Health Innovation (JCHI) serves as UC San Diego Health’s clinical testbed and accelerator for advanced technologies. We bring together clinicians, engineers, data scientists and industry partners to develop, test and scale technologies that improve clinical operations, patient outcomes and quality of care. Our mission is to turn promising ideas into solutions that can be implemented across health systems nationally.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Innovation Night brings together leaders from science, technology and the arts – fields that share a commitment to creative problem-solving. For JCHI, this event is an opportunity to showcase how innovation in healthcare is tangible, data-driven and built to serve everyday patients. We’re proud to represent UC San Diego Health and demonstrate how collaboration across disciplines leads to measurable improvements in how care is delivered.
WHO WE ARE
The University of San Diego is a contemporary Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts and anchored along an international border, advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.
WHY THIS EVENT?
The University of San Diego is committed to inspiring and equipping future leaders and innovators who will make a positive impact on humanity and the planet. Through rigorous academic programs, hands-on learning experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration, this mission comes to life. La Jolla Playhouse’s Innovation Night embodies this commitment, providing our community of learners with opportunities to share fresh insights and connect with San Diego’s leading visionaries, who will help propel our students forward to serve both our region and the world. A special thank you to our very own trustee Tim Scott, JD ’96, for his leadership role for this year’s Innovation Night.
WHO WE ARE
VETmAb Bio is a veterinary biopharmaceutical company focused on developing best in class monoclonal antibody (“mAb”) therapeutics for dogs and cats. Our mission is to develop for pets the same caliber of innovative, safe and effective medicines to which we have access. We have a pipeline of novel biologics across several autoimmune and metabolic conditions. For more information, please visit www.vetmab.bio.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Innovators are inspired by other innovators. At VETmAb Bio, we are a group of creative drug developers and protein engineers who are inspired by La Jolla Playhouse’s brave new works. We are honored to support Innovation Night to celebrate La Jolla Playhouse, the leader in what is new and next in American theatre, as well as San Diego’s incredible innovation ecosystem.
WHO WE ARE
Xzōm is a platform technology company with technology capable of early disease detection, monitoring and more. Leveraging the power of biomarker-rich exosomes to transform outcomes for patients everywhere in a low-cost, easy-to-use and accessible way.
WHY THIS EVENT?
Xzōm is proud to support La Jolla Playhouse’s Innovation Night because we believe that the intersection of art and science is where true innovation takes place. Both disciplines rely on creativity, experimentation and the courage to challenge convention. By supporting this event, we celebrate the shared spirit of discovery that drives progress in both technology and the arts.
As a sponsor of this great event, we value the opportunity to connect with a community of innovators, creators and visionaries who inspire us to think differently and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Ed, Andrew and Evan Dennis
Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters
Barbara Bry and Neil Senturia
Amy and Adam Jacobs
Susan and David Kabakoff
Karin E. Winner
Additional Support for Martha Dennis
Bonnie and Scott Broberg
Susan Dubé
Doris and Peter Ellsworth
Gail v. Flores, Ph.D.
Susan and Bill Hoehn
Karen and Jeff Silberman
Julie and Robert Sullivan
INNOVATION GALLERY
Persperion Diagnostics
As a spinoff from UC San Diego in 2022, Persperion Diagnostics developed a non-invasive glucose monitoring system that uses natural fingertip sweat and enzymatic electrochemical sensing to provide accurate, pain-free and affordable glucose readings. The device eliminates the need for the painful finger pricks, offering an affordable, convenient and user-friendly alternative to traditional blood glucose meters and expensive continuous glucose monitors.
Jacobs Center for Health Innovations
Exhibiting AI and wireless physiologic monitoring, featuring two industry partner products—Artisight and BioIntelliSense:
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Artisight: A demo of the multimodal camera that is currently being installed in our hospitals.
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BioIntelliSense: Showcasing live vital sign data streamed from BioButtons worn by our testers over a two-week period, overlapping with LJP Innovation Night
MAVERiC/Resonance
UC San Diego’s MAVERiC Studio partnered with New York’s “Resonance” Fashion Company to design and create head-to-toe fashion looks through a 3D model pipeline. First showcased at 2025 Comic Con the line will continue onto The Geisel Library’s upcoming Feb – August display. Come and learn about virtual fashion creation from the MAVERiC alumni!
Qualcomm Institute – ALERTCalifornia
Based at the University of California San Diego, the program manages wildfire monitoring cameras and sensor arrays across the state that collect data providing actionable, real-time information to inform public safety.
ALERTCalifornia prioritizes novel data collection and research and shares open-source data with fellow institutions and partners. Advanced technology offers fresh insights into the cascading disasters associated with wildfires, such as post-fire debris flows, floods and erosion. This initiative will lead to a greater understanding of natural disasters and their long-term impacts on air, water and soil quality as well as human health in California.
Help support the program, including student and Tribal community partner involvement, by donating at alertcalifornia.org/giving.
Hybrid Reef Solutions
Hybrid Reefs develops nature-inspired technologies that restore underwater habitats by accelerating coral growth, recruitment, and recovery. By blending natural and engineered elements, Hybrid Reefs creates hybrid coral reef systems that enhance biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain coastal communities while preserving the economic value that coral reefs provide. Our biomaterials are engineered to enhance coral restoration workflows, where bottlenecks like low survivorship and high maintenance are holding back large-scale reef recovery efforts. The company’s flagship technology, Coral Guard™, is an antifouling material that accelerates coral tissue growth and reduces algal competition. Available as Coral Guard Plugs for branching corals and Coral Guard Tiles for micro-fragments, these solutions integrate seamlessly into existing restoration workflows, promoting rapid coral fusion, re-skinning, and overall reef recovery across diverse marine environments. Hybrid Reefs aims to bring the precision, efficiency and scalability of Biotechnology solutions to give one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth a chance to thrive.
Show Imaging
Show Imaging is at the forefront of experience curation for clients worldwide. With a team of over 200 people spread across six depots nationwide, we share a vision to build a premiere global community where diverse talents converge.
Alaska Airlines
Learn more about our exciting growth in San Diego and step inside our event flight simulator for a fun, hands-on flying experience. Whether you’re curious about aviation, dreaming of the flight deck, or just want to test your skills, this is your chance to see what it’s like to fly with Alaska!
University of San Diego
University of San Diego – The Department of Neuroscience, Cognition, and Behavior (NCB)
The Department of NCB was established at USD in 2024 and emphasizes a holistic understanding of the brain and behavior from biological and behavioral perspectives. NCB faculty will highlight various techniques that undergraduate students learn in our teaching laboratories as well as faculty-directed, cutting edge research in which our students actively participate.
University of San Diego – The Department of Physics and Biophysics
The Department of Physics and Biophysics at USD will highlight research led by undergraduate students. The two students present, both of whom have earned prestigious national awards for their research, are examining complex and biologically-inspired soft materials using optical tweezers and microscopy methods, and they will display images and videos from their research.
Thermo Fisher: (2 Booths)
Thermo Fisher Scientific will be showcasing three specific pieces of innovation between their two booths:
1. Explore lab solutions with our virtual reality tools. Our virtual tool is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how Thermo Scientific equipment can enhance your laboratory operations, ensuring you make informed decisions that maximize your space and workflow efficiency.
Key Features:
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Lab Design: Our virtual tool will help you visualize it within your existing laboratory footprint helping you make the most of your available space based on Thermo Scientific equipment specifications.
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Workflow Solutions: Experience a virtual tour that highlights critical laboratory product solutions at each step of selected workflows, such as Genomics and Cell Culture. This feature helps you understand how our equipment can optimize your laboratory processes and improve efficiency.
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3D Product Tours: Interact with our virtual laboratory equipment through 360-degree views. Spin, zoom, rotate, and discover detailed features of electronic pipettes, centrifuges, environmental chambers, and more. This immersive experience allows you to explore and understand the functionality and benefits of our products before making an investment.
2. The EVOS M7000 is a fully automated inverted imager designed to simplify the most demanding slide and cell-based imaging applications including live-cell analysis, image tiling, and Z-stacking. It is equipped with advanced 2D deconvolution capabilities which increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and provide clean, accurate information, allowing you to reveal hidden insights within your samples.
The EVOS S1000 Spatial Imaging System is a widefield spectral imaging system that combines multiplex spectral fluorescence, transmitted brightfield, and color brightfield detection. It provides seamless image processing, single-round spectral unmixing of up to 8-plex (+ nuclei detection), and powerful image visualization, all within a user-friendly platform. The EVOS S1000 Spatial Imaging System is excellent for scientists entering the spatial biology field, including those specializing in cancer biology, histology, immunology, and neurobiology who require highly resolved images.
UC San Diego – Jacobs School of Engineering
Booth Tech: UCSD Center For Wearable Sensors (CWS)
The center for wearable sensors develops wearable sensor systems with real-time feedback that enable a wide range of new preventive-health, security and fitness applications. Some examples of wearable sensors developed by the center are on display on the gallery floor.
Enlighted Designs by Janet Hansen
Janet Hansen is an LED artist based in Encinitas, CA. She specializes in creating mesmerizing effects with color-changing lighting embedded in textiles, in the form of wall hangings, soft sculptures, home decor, clothing, and costumes.
Her “Kaleidoscopic Comfort” installation is currently on display at the San Diego International Airport as part of the 2025 Mirror Mirror exhibit. The wearable forms of her work are used by a diverse collection of international clients, including professional musicians, dancers, Broadway shows and theme parks.
Dr. Hansen’s interdisciplinary approach reflects her life-long interest in merging art with technology. She earned a BS in Engineering at Harvey Mudd College, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics/Bioengineering at UCSD.
La Jolla Playhouse
Visit our booth to see what’s new and next in American theatre.
San Diego State University
Biocom
ABOUT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
La Jolla Playhouse is where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in American Theatre. From Tony Award-winning plays and musicals, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls, the Playhouse brings people together to inspire discussion and open pathways to new ways of thinking. A visit to the Playhouse is an invitation to harness the transformative power of theatre to explore the here and now – and together, expand our world’s compassion, understanding and hope.
Our Mission
La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form, telling stories that inspire empathy and create a dialogue toward a more just future. With our intrepid spirit and eclectic, artist-driven approach we will continue to cultivate a local, national and global following with an insatiable appetite for audacious work.
We provide unfettered creative opportunities for a community of artists of all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to being a permanent safe harbor for unsafe and surprising work, offering a glimpse of the new and the next in American theatre.
Leadership
Christopher Ashley
The Rich Family Artistic Director
of La Jolla Playhouse
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Christopher Ashley has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he directed the world premieres of Come From Away, The Heart, 3 Summers of Lincoln, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Babbitt, Diana: The Musical, Memphis, Escape to Margaritaville, Hollywood, The Darrell Hammond Project, The Squirrels, A Dram of Drummhicit, Restoration and Chasing the Song, as well as As You Like It, His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Freaky Friday and Xanadu. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) initiative, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. Mr. Ashley recently directed Come From Away for AppleTV+ and Diana: The Musical for Netflix. Other screen credits include the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. Mr. Ashley’s Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nomination), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nomination), Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other national tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits include Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel Award nomination), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.
Debby Buchholz
Managing Director
of La Jolla Playhouse
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Debby Buchholz joined the Playhouse in 2002, serving first as General Manager before becoming Managing Director. She is President of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and a member of its Executive Committee. She is a recipient of a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Prior to joining La Jolla Playhouse, she served as Counsel to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She was a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution’s program on Legal Problems of Museum Administration. Prior to The Kennedy Center, she served as a corporate attorney in New York City and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of UC San Diego and Harvard Law School.
Ms. Buchholz and her husband, noted author and White House economic policy advisor Todd Buchholz, live in Solana Beach.
