What if researchers could test new medicines on lab-grown human tissue before they ever reached clinical trials?

In this episode of our Building Biotech in Lower Alabama series, Stephanie Glines sits down with Yuan Tian, founder of Vivosphere, to discuss how his company is developing artificial human tissue models designed to improve drug discovery and regenerative medicine.

Yuan shares his journey from arriving in the United States with two suitcases to earning a Ph.D. at Auburn University and transforming his research into a biotech startup. He explains how Vivosphere’s technology creates 3D human tissue models that mimic how cells behave inside the body, helping researchers evaluate potential therapies more accurately before they reach patients.

The conversation explores the challenges of drug development, the potential of regenerative medicine, the role of artificial intelligence in biotech, and how the Hatch Biotech Accelerator helped prepare Vivosphere for future growth.

In This Episode:

• Yuan’s journey from graduate student to biotech founder
• How Vivosphere creates lab-grown human tissue models
• Improving drug discovery and reducing clinical trial failures
• Potential applications in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies
• The role of AI in biotech research and drug development
• Auburn University’s role in commercializing the technology
• Lessons learned through the Hatch Biotech Accelerator
• Advice for founders building science-based companies

Notable Quotes:

“Innovation shouldn’t stop at the end of the publication. It should be the beginning of something bigger.”

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical success.”

Learn More

Yuan Tian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuantianauburn/

Vivosphere: https://vivospheres.com

About the Building Biotech Series

Building Biotech in Lower Alabama is a special series from the Hatch Podcast featuring founders, researchers, and innovators developing new technologies and companies across the Gulf Coast region.

About The Hatch Podcast

At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

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🔗 Learn more: hatchfairhope.com

📩 Contact: team@hatchfairhope.com

Produced by Tim Scott for The Hatch Podcast Network.