Brandon Downey

About Brandon Downey

As Head of the Strategic Innovation Accelerator (SIA), I lead a team focused on selecting the right ambitious ideas—and making them real. We accelerate innovations that have the potential to reshape how biologics are developed and manufactured, ensuring they’re not only technically feasible but strategically valuable.I believe innovation isn’t just about what’s possible—it’s about what’s worth doing. It’s not measured solely by scientific novelty or technical complexity, but by its ability to create meaningful value for patients, partners, and the business. That requires both bold thinking and focused execution.My leadership is grounded in five core values:Innovation – Pursue what others might consider improbable, because that’s often where the greatest impact lies.Empowerment – I trust capable people to make good decisions when given strong context and clear purpose.Connection – I prioritize collaboration over competition; breakthroughs happen when we build together.Integrity – I care about real outcomes, not just the optics. Value must be measured by impact, not just KPIs.Growth – I’m committed to continuous learning—for myself, my team, and the organization.I work alongside cross-functional teams and external partners to navigate uncertainty, test what’s possible, and help the organization make smarter bets on innovation. Together, we’re building a repeatable path from early ideas to enterprise-ready solutions.Professional SkillsResearch and Development | Agile Product Development | Team Development | Vision Focused Leadership | Tech Transfer | Project Leadership | Intellectual Property | PublicationsArea Knowledge KeywordsMammalian Cell Culture | Process Intensification | Automation | Feedback Control | Perfusion | DeltaV | Scale-up | Machine Learning | Process Analytical Technologies | Biology | Process Analytical Technology | Bioprocessing

Experience

1. Head of Strategic Innovation Accelerator

   Lonza

   Apr 2025 — Present · Bend, OR, US

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Chemical Engineering

  2003 — 2007

Skills

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Process Simulation
• Technology Transfer
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Chemistry
• R&D
• Spectroscopy
• Formulation
• Microscopy
• Chemical Engineering
• Protein Chemistry
• Lifesciences
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Chromatography
• Biochemistry
• Cell Culture