meet the team

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Pankaj Goyal is a physician-scientist-strategist based in Basel, Switzerland, who has made significant strides in the field of pharmaceuticals and digital health. 

His journey began in India, where he earned his MB BS and MD, and practiced medicine establishing a robust medical foundation, before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry over two decades ago. Pankaj has since played a transformative role in various capacities, underscoring his adaptability and leadership in both clinical and business spheres. As Vice President of Clinical Development, he continues to drive forward-thinking changes in the healthcare arena.

Pankaj's prominence in digital health is evident through use of innovative approaches to integrating digital solutions in clinical settings. He has been at the forefront of deploying cutting-edge technologies like wearable sensors and AI/ML in chronic care research (COPD and Asthma), striving to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. 

His leadership in the development of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and Digital Therapeutic (DTx) solutions has been pivotal in advancing digital health tools for aid in diagnosis, decision-makingand remote patient monitoring. His efforts culminated in agroundbreaking success with the European Commission approval of a digital companion for asthma, marking a milestone in digital health application and commercialization within the EU.

Pankaj's extensive expertise isn't confined to the technical realm; his business acumen, honed by an MBA from Geneva, Switzerland, shines through in his strategic undertakings. His strategic planning and leadership have been integral to organizational scaling, building capacity and enhancing capabilities. 

This holistic strategy has facilitated substantial growth and impact for the organizations he's been part of, solidifying his status as a visionary leader in the global healthcare industry's ongoing digital transformation.

Science Officer

Roger, a highly experienced and dedicated medical professional, began his remarkable career in 1981 when he qualified in medicine. His initial years were marked by diverse clinical roles in surgery, medicine, and A&E, laying a solid foundation for his career. In 1987, he embarked on specialized training in psychiatry, which lasted until 1990.

With a specialization in geriatric psychiatry, Roger’s profound expertise has served as a cornerstone in his roles as an NHS Consultant, which he upheld from 1993 until 2013.

In 1994, Roger founded the Kingshill Research Centre, nurturing it from its inception into a prestigious national and international facility under his capable leadership.

As a testament to his commitment to advancing the field, Roger has served as the UK coordinating investigator on numerous occasions. His extensive contributions to academic literature include the publication of over 100 peer-reviewed papers, several noteworthy books, and a host of chapters in various publications.

For eight years, Roger devoted his expertise to educating the next generation of psychiatrists as a clinical tutor. Additionally, he spent four enriching years serving as the Academic Secretary of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry, a role in which his guidance was invaluable. Recognized for his expertise and contributions, Roger has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international conferences, shedding light on important issues in geriatric psychiatry.

In addition to his clinical and academic achievements, Roger has a distinguished history in healthcare management. For 11 significant years, he held senior management positions within the NHS, with his last six years as the Clinical Director of Older People's Services. In this pivotal role, he was successfully responsible for a £55 million budget and the clinical governance of a staff of 800—a testament to his exceptional leadership and managerial prowess.

Roger’s exemplary career is marked by a commitment to patient care, academic excellence, and healthcare leadership. His contributions to geriatric psychiatry are respected and acknowledged both nationally and internationally.

Founder and Chairman

René is a seasoned life science professional, boasting over a quarter-century of experience in the pharmaceutical and health-tech industry. His extensive career has included pivotal roles at leading global companies such as GSK, Organon, Novartis, and Takeda.

Rene Gilvert serves as the CEO at Brightmind.ai, leading the development of AI-driven neurotechnology for brain health, particularly in migraine prevention. As Chairman at OptiChronix, he guides the company’s strategic focus on digital health solutions for proactive aging and wellness, enabling him to integrate innovations in neurotechnology with a broader commitment to healthy aging initiatives.

In his previous role as Vice President of Global Franchises at Takeda, René exhibited exemplary leadership in both the Neuroscience and Cardiovascular & Metabolic (CVM) sectors, where his strategic insights were key to shaping and driving the company’s direction in these critical therapeutic areas.

With a track record spanning more than a decade, René is a recognized leader in the development of Digital Solutions. During his tenures at Novartis and Takeda, he was instrumental in crafting and implementing innovative Digital Medicine concepts, particularly in the realm of NeuroPsychiatric disorders. His visionary approach continues to push the boundaries of digital healthcare solutions.

Educationally, René holds a B.Sc. in Information Management from the University of Applied Sciences Larenstein. Beyond his formal education, he has further enriched his expertise through Executive Training in Finance from the esteemed Harvard Business School. This blend of technical and financial acumen positions René as a well-rounded leader, poised to navigate the complex landscape of the life sciences industry.

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Anna is a seasoned professional with significant experience in controlling, strategy, and risk management, honed within the dynamic environment of global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and life science companies. 

Educationally, Anna holds an M.Sc. in International Management/CEMS from Rotterdam School of Management, where she graduated cum laude. She has further refined her skills through executive education programs at IMD Lausanne and IESE Business School.

In addition to her formal education and roles, Anna has gained valuable experience in startup environments, contributing to innovative strategies and growth initiatives.

Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer

Albrecht stands as a transformational leader, with an international career spanning over two decades at the critical intersection of science, policy, and regulation. His extensive experience has been honed in the fast-paced and high-growth environments of Biotech and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industries.

Deeply knowledgeable in national and supranational regulation, Albrecht is a trusted authority on the governance of both consumer products and non-food items. His expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in substantial, hands-on experience navigating complex regulatory landscapes across various jurisdictions.

As a seasoned professional, Albrecht has an impressive history of conducting, directing, commissioning, and publishing scientific and clinical research of the highest caliber. His work is distinguished not only by its rigor but also by its impact, as he has been instrumental in forging first-in-class partnerships with NGOs and strategic collaborations with government-owned research organizations. These partnerships have been pivotal in advancing evidence-informed approaches to public health policy and practice, showcasing Albrecht's commitment to leveraging science for the betterment of society.

Educationally, Albrecht holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from the esteemed University of Göttingen. Further complementing his scientific acumen, he has earned an MBA from the Anaheim University Akio Morita School of Business. His commitment to continuous learning and excellence is further demonstrated by postgraduate certificates from the renowned Oxford and Hull universities.

With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and a tireless pursuit of knowledge, Albrecht exemplifies what it means to be at the forefront of science and policy in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.