Zachary Asarnow

“Zachary Asarnow is an economics student who was inspired by his work in the FSU International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team to co-found a biotech startup. Asarnow worked as an entrepreneur on the team, sparking his love for innovation. The team’s gold medal placement at the iGEM Jamboree solidified his interest in the innovation field as it relates to medicine. He became the CEO and co-founder of Esperance Healthcare, where he advances work to treat the rare diseases he studied during his time in iGEM. His interdisciplinary work between entrepreneurship and the medical field motivated him to start the FSU Business and STEM Association , where he connects students to learn about innovation through pitch competitions, networking, projects and startup workshops. On top of his commitment to innovation, Asarnow has worked for FSU Housing for three years as a desk assistant and resident assistant. Why did you choose FSU? I chose to attend FSU because it is a place full of opportunity, growth and community. The fact that FSU has over 700 student organizations immediately stood out to me. I knew I wanted to be part of a campus where I could get involved, try new things and discover what I truly enjoy. From studying abroad, joining sports clubs, participating in academic organizations and connecting with Student Affairs, I’ve explored so many different sides of campus life. FSU has given me the chance not only to get involved, but also to find passions I didn’t even know I had and to be surrounded by a community that feels like home. What academic achievements are you most proud of? My most significant research project and accomplishment at FSU has been my work with the 2024 FSU iGEM team. I joined as the entrepreneurship lead, and I spent over a year collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of students to develop solutions for the rare genetic disease trimethylaminuria (TMAU) that causes individuals to emit a strong odor. Our goal was to combine science, innovation and entrepreneurship to address this urgent unmet medical need. I gained experience in conducting market research, building a business model and commercialization strategy, and tailoring presentations for audiences. One of the highlights was traveling with my team to Paris for the iGEM Grand Jamboree, where we presented our work to an international audience and a panel of judges. Our team earned a gold medal, including recognition for the entrepreneurship report that I led. I served as a public policy intern at the DeVoe Moore Center Think Tank, where I conducted research into the economic impact of space debris. I worked with a team to write and publish articles on the subject and co-authored a policy briefing with recommendations on how to approach space debris from both regulatory and economic perspectives. How do you serve the FSU community? I co-founded Esperance Healthcare, a biotech startup dedicated to developing and commercializing solutions for TMAU and other rare conditions. As CEO, I have led our team in product development, securing funding and creating strategic partnerships. Esperance has received support from FSU’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, which has been instrumental in advancing our work. Most recently, we were honored to be selected as one of only 15 startups worldwide to pitch at the iGEM Grand Jamboree Startup Showcase. This work has inspired and engaged the community by demonstrating how research, entrepreneurship and collaboration can translate into real-world solutions. Through that, I co-founded the Business and STEM Association to help share the knowledge I learned from Esperance with students who want to build something they’re passionate about. Our efforts have strengthened connections across interdisciplinary areas and highlighted FSU as a hub for innovation. In Tallahassee, our presence as a student-led biotech startup contributes to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering partnerships, providing mentorship and promoting a culture of problem solving. The post Zachary Asarnow appeared first on Florida State University News .

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