Bridgeen Callan

Bridgeen Callan is CEO of KLAS Therapeutics Ltd, a Northern Ireland-based biotechnology company developing innovative therapy for treating aggressive skin cancer. With nearly two decades of experience leading research teams at Ulster University and Robert Gordon University, her journey from PhD chemist to biotech entrepreneur began with breakthrough research in photodynamic therapy.

Metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, presents significant treatment challenges for patients. KLAS Therapeutics has developed a proprietary photodynamic therapy that offers a new approach to treatment, supported by comprehensive preclinical data and peer-reviewed evidence. Their innovation aims to provide a low-cost, non-invasive first-line treatment option.

“KLAS Therapeutics’ vision is to become the first company to develop and market a highly safe and effective therapy for malignant melanoma, to provide hope for the future of patients with melanoma and other types of cancer,” says Bridgeen.

Her achievements include winning the Catalyst ‘Invent’ competition’s overall prize and life sciences category, securing an Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst grant, and being one of just 40 EU Women in Tech awardees. The company has also successfully completed multiple Innovate UK ICURe programmes.

“It is such a privilege to be a Women in Innovation Award winner,” says Bridgeen. “When you get the opportunity to meet as a group and hear some of the fabulous and worthwhile work taking place, I think ‘yeah, I want to be part of that’.”

“My biggest challenge was adapting my mindset from scientist to entrepreneur,” Bridgeen reflects. “As a scientist, we can hide behind the technology and detail – but in business, there is an expectation that you are the business, and therefore you have to put yourself out there.”

Her advice to aspiring women innovators? “Surround yourself with people you trust and respect.”

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.