CNAS HOMECOMING 2025

Turning Science into Startups: The Journey from Research to Biotech Entrepreneurship with CNAS Alumnus Wajdie Ahmad ’01

Celebrate Homecoming with Wajdie Ahmad ’01, CNAS alumnus and biotech leader, as he shares his professional journey and lessons learned from two decades in the biopharmaceutical industry. From his early work at Allergan to co-founding and leading successful startups like Bonti and Amplifica Bio, Wajdie’s story illustrates the power of innovation, persistence, and the UCR spirit of discovery. A reception and complimentary lunch will follow the presentation.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
UCR Student Success Center (SSC)
900 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92521

Register Here: myadv.ucr.edu/forms/HC25_CNASucrscience


About Wajdie Ahmad '01
Wajdie Ahmad '01 is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and investor with over 20 years of industry experience. He has co-founded several companies and serves on multiple boards, most notably as Co-Founder and Chairman of Amplifica, a biopharma company pioneering novel treatments for androgenic alopecia (hair loss). Previously, Mr. Ahmad co-founded Bonti in 2015, serving as COO which was acquired by Allergan in 2018 for $195 million upfront, plus additional milestone payments. Earlier in his career, he spent 13 years at Allergan in biologics manufacturing and development, contributing to neurotoxin innovations including Botox. Mr. Ahmad holds an MBA from UC Irvine and a bachelor's in biology from UC Riverside.

Everyone is Welcome!
This event is free and open to the public. UCR alumni, current students, faculty, staff, prospective students, and community members are all welcome to attend. 

Parking Information

Complimentary parking will be available in the following lots: Blue: 1, 6, 24 and Gold: 26, 30, 50. To receive complimentary parking, you must register your vehicle on or before Saturday, November 8, 2025, no later than 1:00 P.M. Register for complimentary parking here https://bit.ly/m/UCR-University-Events

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