Hans S. Keirstead, Ph.D.

Chairman of the Board

Dr. Hans Keirstead is an internationally recognized stem cell expert and successful entrepreneur. Known for developing treatments for quadriplegic spinal cord injury, cancer therapies for melanoma, brain, and ovarian cancers, and a multi-pathogen vaccine, he has also advanced therapeutic research for motor neuron diseases, retinal diseases, immune disorders, and age-related immune decline. Each of Dr. Keirstead’s three prior biotechnology firms was acquired by major pharmaceutical companies for 2.5X-9.5X returns to investors, after return of investment capital. He currently holds board positions in several leading biotechs including AIVITA Biomedical, Immunis Inc., and the global Human Immune Project.

During his 15-year tenure as a Full Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of California Irvine (UCI), Dr. Keirstead mentored over 100 students, published over 150 manuscripts, and was granted over 20 patents. He was instrumental in founding, directing, and fundraising the $77 million Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UCI. At UCI he secured over $16 million in research grants and was honored with the “Distinguished Award for Research,” the highest accolade from UCI’s Academic Senate. Additionally, Dr. Keirstead received UCI’s Innovation Award, NIH's “Solowey Award” for the most promising national researcher, and the “Touching One Billion People” Award from Singularity University. He was a founding advisor of the California Stem Cell Initiative that resulted in a $5.5 billion stem cell fund (CIRM) and has been a long-time advisor to several governments on biomedical policy.

His notable achievements have garnered Dr. Keirstead international media recognition. He listed as one of Discover Magazine’s top 100 scientists, and his research was highlighted by prestigious publications like Newsweek, WIRED, The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Science, proto.life, Longevity Insider, Longevity.Technology, Corporate LiveWire, and more. Dr. Keirstead’s success stories have also been covered by segments on 60 Minutes, PBS, and ABC news radio.

Some of Dr. Keirstead’s recent accolades include the “Top 20 Canadians” Award by the Consul General of Canada, “Most Innovative Company in Immune Deficiency Research,” by Corporate LiveWire, “Best Immune Deficit Treatment Development” by Global Health and Pharma, OCBJ’s “Innovator of the Year,” and recognition as a thought leader at the Seven Wonderer's event by Beakerhead.

An accomplished speaker, Dr. Keirstead delivered a TEDx talk and many keynotes at exclusive, international conferences such as the United Nations, Dr. Peter Diamandis’ Abundance360, Dr. Daniel Kraft’s NextMed Health, Advanced Therapies Congress, Festival of Biologics, BIO-Europe, and JPM’s Biotech Showcase.

Dr. Keirstead received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia, Canada, where he earned the Cameron Award for the country’s most outstanding dissertation. During his postdoctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, he was elected as Senate Member and became Fellow of the Governing Body of Downing College, the youngest member to do so.