Our Team

Dr. Crabtree thrives in the complex world of possibilities garnered from combining scientific knowledge and innovation, especially when the outcome leads to a safer, healthier world. As Board Chairman of BioOra, he's integral in leading the team's vision for revolutionary cancer immunotherapies through BioOra's automation of CAR T-cell manufacturing.

Dr. Crabtree brings extensive expertise in science, business and government and strategic innovation. His renown career is punctuated with his leadership roles at the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. As Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, GM of Science Innovation and International Branch, and Chair of New Zealand Covid-19 Vaccines Taskforce, he has been a pivotal driving force for transformational change.

In addition to Board Chair at BioOra, Dr. Crabtree is Managing Partner at Idé Partners, an innovation strategy consulting firm, and Board Chair at Zenno Astronautics.

As a scientist, physician, educator, entrepreneur and c-level executive, Dr. Cooper's experience and passion has put him at the leading edge of developing life-saving cell and gene therapies and immunotherapy. He has contributed to the development of pioneering technologies and scientific advancements, nurturing new therapies from research lab to corporate boardroom to patient bedside.

Dr. Cooper is Executive Chairman for Bio4t2, and a board member for Secure Transfusion Services and CellChorus. Dr. Cooper has an MD in Medicine and a PhD in Immunology from Case Western Reserve University, Ohio.

Cyrus provides strategic operating expertise to biotech firms, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. He leverages his vast knowledge and leadership expertise to guide companies in complex business operations to maximise growth and revenue.

With a robust history of leadership and c-level positions, Cyrus excels at leading corporate teams to successful outcomes. His far-reaching guidance spans a multitude of businesses. Cyrus is Chairman and Managing Partner for BioSelective Capital investments, Advisor for Advent International, Board Advisor for BioDuro-Sundia, and Investment Advisor for Bridgewest Ventures. Cyrus has previously held executive positions at BioDuro-Sundia, Nichols Institute Diagnostics (a division of Quest Diagnostics), and AltheaDx, a spin-out from Althea Technologies.

Saum is the CEO of Bridgewest Ventures. He leads investment strategies and incubation programs, bringing together ingenuity, people, and resources to shape innovative concepts into thriving companies. Saum is adept at identifying promising opportunities that feed significant change and lasting impact towards the wellbeing of others.

In addition, Saum fuels entrepreneurship through Bridgewest Ventures New Zealand's partnership with the Government of New Zealand and its Callaghan Innovation Technology Incubator Programme.

Previously, Saum worked with Johnson & Johnson's venture capital platform, assisting with commercialisation strategy formation and market research. Saum graduated from Cornell University with an MBA focused on Finance and is an active member of the San Diego Chapter of Young Presidents Organization (YPO).

JR initially oversaw BioOra as the General Manager of Bridgewest Ventures New Zealand before becoming BioOra's Managing Director in 2024.

JR’s background is in the oversight of early-stage tech and life science investments in New Zealand, including pipeline development and business operations. JR has worked closely with founders and management teams on business plan development and adherence to help them operationalize and scale their companies.

In addition, JR is a board member for several start-ups including life science companies Avasa, Macso, and Precision Chromatography. As a seasoned finance and investment professional, JR has been involved with tech start-ups in New Zealand since 2008. His expertise includes finance, risk & compliance, business strategy, venture capital, and technology strategy. He is an avid futurist, inspiring others through his work, writings and speaking engagements.

Carl June, MD, is globally recognized as a pioneer of CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell immunotherapy, receiving international recognition for his work, including most recently being awarded the 2024 Laureate in Life Sciences; a Breakthrough Prize honouring impactful discoveries which have progressed the treatment of major diseases.

June continues his leadership in the field through his roles as the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Centre for Cellular Immunotherapies at the Abramson Cancer Centre. June is also a Director and Advisor to many leading pharmaceutical and biopharma companies developing CAR T-cell therapies.