Dr. Lasani Wijetunge is a scientist turned innovation professional focused on translating great ideas into real-world impact. With a PhD in Neuroscience and a track record of securing competitive international fellowships and leading interdisciplinary research over 15 years’, she combines deep scientific expertise with strong commercial insight. Curious and purpose-driven, she turns complex scientific and market insights into clear strategic direction, working closely with founders and external experts to shape early-stage ideas into viable, impactful ventures.

Lasani is a Licensing & Ventures Associate at Oxford University Innovation, working across a diverse pipeline of early-stage technologies to support their commercialisation through venture creation and licensing. She collaborates with founders, academics, patent attorneys, investors, and industry partners to shape value propositions, IP strategy, and routes to market.

As a judge, she brings sharp analytical thinking, strong commercial awareness, and a genuine enthusiasm for bold ideas with a clear, credible path to real-world impact.