Episode 128: The Return of James Zanewicz – Building a Lasting Biotech Innovation Ecosystem with Connect
What can a 40-year-old innovation organization teach today’s startup ecosystems about staying relevant and driving impact?
In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, the original voice behind this podcast and now CEO of Connect in San Diego. James shares insights from stepping into leadership at one of the nation’s most established innovation organizations, reflecting on Connect’s evolution from a hands-on startup support model to a globally recognized ecosystem builder. The conversation explores what it takes to sustain and grow innovation communities over decades, and how lessons from mature ecosystems can inform emerging regions like the Gulf South.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why even the most established innovation organizations must continuously evolve to stay impactful.
- How Connect is positioning itself as a “front door” to help entrepreneurs navigate dense ecosystems.
- What founders actually need from ecosystem support and how to deliver it in practical, actionable ways.
Tune in to learn how leadership, adaptability, and a founder-first mindset can shape the future of innovation ecosystems in both mature and emerging regions.
Links:
Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect.
Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine.
Learn more about Cleantech, San Diego Sports Innovators, and Athena.
Connect with Guy Kawasaki, MBA, Petra Stegmann, PhD, and Daniela Gama.
Check out the book The First 90 Days.
Check out our previous episode with Australia’s Alita Singer and David Brown.
Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer.
Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU – the podcast.
Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.
