Can Strategic Partnerships Save Diagnostics Innovation? Robert Carlson

In this episode of Diagnosing Dx, David Filby is joined by Robert Carlson, Founder and President of Life Science Dx Consulting. Robert brings 30 years of experience across diagnostics and life sciences, spanning scientific, commercial, corporate development and executive leadership roles. He explains why early-stage diagnostics companies should think about partnerships much earlier, not only as a source of funding but as a way to build credibility, strengthen commercial strategy and create new routes to market. The conversation also covers reimbursement, market access, investor expectations and why strong science alone is rarely enough to build a successful diagnostics company. Key takeaways: 🔹 Why diagnostics founders should consider partnerships before they urgently need them 🔹 How strategic partnerships can strengthen a future fundraising story 🔹 Why fear around IP, dilution and losing control can hold founders back 🔹 The importance of understanding reimbursement and market access early 🔹 Why commercial strategy should develop alongside the science Chapters: 00:56 Introduction and Robert Carlson’s background 05:40 Why partnerships matter in early-stage diagnostics 12:19 Using partnerships to strengthen fundraising 14:51 Why founders hesitate to partner early 19:29 IP, control and the fear of being locked in 25:29 Why great science alone isn’t enough 28:43 Reimbursement, regulatory strategy and investor expectations 35:18 Building the right commercial strategy from the start Guest: Robert Carlson Founder and President, Life Science Dx Consulting LinkedIn:   / robertwcarlsonsr   Host: David Filby Founder and CEO of Elevra Consulting LinkedIn:   / davidfilby   🔔 Subscribe to Diagnosing Dx for weekly conversations with leaders shaping the future of diagnostics and omics. #Diagnostics #LifeSciences #MedTech #Commercialization #HealthcareInnovation