Osama Zahid is the Director of Licensing at Advocate Health’s Technology Transfer Office, where he leads intellectual property strategy and commercialization for a diverse portfolio of life science and healthcare technologies developed across the healthcare enterprise and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He oversees licensing activities, alliance management, and operational efficiencies for therapeutics and digital health assets. Osama has extensive experience negotiating licensing deals, executing research collaborations, and driving translational programs that have generated significant follow-on funding and enabled startup formation. Notable examples include CaseStacks, a medical education training platform; 9+1AI, a digital health startup developing AI-based diagnostics for cardiovascular and maternal health; and Deep Creek Pharma, a life sciences company advancing a DNA-based polymer therapeutics platform for cancer treatment.
With a PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Osama brings over eight years of research experience in diagnostics and biotechnology, complemented by a decade in technology transfer and IP management. He also served as the internal program manager for the Wake Forest Catalyst Fund managed by Pappas Capital, providing operational and portfolio support that helped generate a 4.5x ROI.
Outside of work, Osama enjoys hiking new trails, exploring cuisines, cooking for family and friends, and watching basketball.
