Joseph Hernandez
BUSINESSMAN & PHILANTHROPIST
Education:
University of Florida (BS, MS, MBA)
Yale University (MS)
Oxford University (MS - in process)
Joseph Hernandez is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, healthcare executive and biotech executive.
He is the former Founder and CEO of several healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, including Innovative Biosensors, Ember Therapeutics, Noachis Terra and Blue Water Biotech. Currently, Joseph serves as Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Blue Water Venture Partners LLC.
In addition to creating biotechnology companies, Joseph has several years experience serving on various company corporate boards.
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
Joseph Hernandez was born in Camaguey, Cuba. The son of a political prisoner, he is a Cuban refugee who came to the United States when he was seven.
After his family immigrated to the United States, they settled in South Florida, where the majority of his family still resides.
Education
Hernandez graduated from the University of Florida in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Continuing his studies at UF, Hernandez received both his Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and his MBA in 1998 with a focus in Finance and Entrepreneurship. [1]
In 2023, Hernandez received his Master of Science in Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Biostatics from Yale University and is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Global Healthcare Leadership at the University of Oxford.
With many years spent pursuing advanced education from his alma maters, University of Florida, Yale University, and University of Oxford, Hernandez's academic background spans biology, medicine, molecular genetics, microbiology, epidemiology, marketing, and finance.
CAREER
Early Career
Joseph Hernandez began his career in December 1998 when he was hired at Merck & Co. His experience at the pharmaceutical giant has been described as the "foundational development of his biotech and pharmaceutical career"[2]. After Merck, Hernandez went on to explore Silicon Valley as he began working for Affymetrix, a company that developed the microarray. As the head of the Marketing Department with Affymetrix, Hernandez was involved in the launch of 12 different products for the company.
In 2005, Hernandez went back east and began working for Digene Corp, a molecular diagnostics company focusing on the area of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It was here that Hernandez assisted in developing the first test for HPV, leading to the company's acquisition by Qiagen in 2007[3]. With the capital that came from the acquisition, Hernandez was able to begin financing his own entrepreneurial ventures. As of early 2024, Hernandez has founded over twelve different companies in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
In 2004, Hernandez founded Innovative Biosensors, a clinical-stage diagnostics company that developed and manufactured rapid pathogen detection and diagnostic systems. He remained the President and CEO from 2004 to 2009.
Hernandez then founded Microlin Bio, a development-stage biotechnology company focused on developing microRNA-based therapeutics for cancer. In 2013, the company partnered with Ohio State University in a license agreement for the University's cancer portfolio of microRNA patents in researching and developing more effective ways to diagnose and treat prostate, ovarian, colon, and lung cancers.[4] The company went on to be publicly traded in 2015.
While running Microlin Bio, Hernandez also founded Ember Therapeutics in 2014 and was the Chairman of Sydys Corporation in 2016. Ember Therapeutics was a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focusing on the clinical application of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) to develop regenerative medicines for the disease modification of osteoarthritis, reversal of insulin resistance, and the inhibition and reversal of organ fibrosis in diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and Alport syndrome, as well as metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sydys Corporation was a biotechnology company that developed immuno-oncology products.
In 2018, Hernandez founded Blue Water Vaccines, a company dedicated to manufacturing a universal influenza vaccine, in collaboration with the University of Oxford. In 2022, Hernandez successfully led the company to launch an IPO. Members of the corporation, along with Hernandez, rang the closing bell on February 18, 2022. [5]
While developing Blue Water Vaccines, Hernandez also established another company. Founded in 2020, Noachis Terra was a biotechnology company focusing on developing a COVID-19 vaccine. Hernandez successfully navigated the company's acquisition by Oragenics just five short months after its official incorporation [6].
Hernandez, known for his ability to work on several projects simultaneously, founded Blue Water Special Acquisition Corp. in 2020. In April 2021, Blue Water Special Acquisition Corp. merged with Clarus Therapeutic Holdings Inc. [7]
Maintaining the portfolio of many of Hernandez's companies is Blue Water Venture Partners LLC, initially founded by Hernandez in 2017. In his role as not only founder but also senior managing partner, Hernandez creates the partnerships and resources necessary for his other companies to continue on the path of discovery.
Expanding into cutting-edge domains, Hernandez recently founded several other companies in 2023. He created Temple Street Biotech, a company focused on Alzheimer’s Research, in his continued effort to advance solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. He also founded Eternity Biotech, a life extension company in collaboration with Yale University, to push the boundaries of human longevity.
Following in his scientific path of cancer research, Hernandez’s company Perseus Therapeutics initiated a partnership with Duke University focusing on hair restoration in patients suffering hair loss due to chemotherapy and other conditions. He has also ventured in the realm of sustainable technology by founding a new battery technology company, Energia Power Systems, in collaboration with Stanford University.
BOARD POSITIONS
2006-2012
SHADY GROVE HOSPITAL
Board Member
2007-2011
TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND
Executive Board Member
2013-2017
MICROLIN BIO
Chairman
2014-2019
EMBER THERAPEUTICS
Chairman
2020-2021
BLUE WATER ACQUISITION CORP
Chairman
2021-2022
CLARUS THERAPEUTICS
Executive Board Member
2021-2022
CLARUS THERAPEUTICS
Member, Audit & Compensation Committee
PHILANTHROPY
Joseph Hernandez's philanthropic endeavors are as equally notable as his education, experience, and dedication to global health and welfare.
In 2017, Hernandez committed a donation of $10 million to the University of Florida. The university noted the donation as the largest received from someone under 50 years old [1]. With this donation, the university constructed a new chemistry building named Hernandez Hall to support the increasing demand for chemistry classes and programs on the campus. However, in response to the urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernandez later redirected this funding towards scholarship programs, demonstrating a compassionate and adaptive approach to societal challenges.
Beyond his contributions to the University of Florida, Hernandez's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge extended to funding the sequencing of the dodo genome at the University of Oxford [8]. The research, which started in 2020, focused on gaining scientific insight into the genetic mechanisms in hopes of understanding the evolution of extinct island birds losing the ability to fly.
Hernandez has a strong dedication to gender equality in sports. In 2021, in response to the challenges faced by female athletes in polo, widely known as a male-oriented sport, Hernandez began funding several all-female polo teams. This commitment underscores his dedication to fostering opportunities for women athletes and contributing to the growth and recognition of women in sports.
It is very common to find Mr. Hernandez in attendance at charity dinners, auctions, and other charity events. He is known to be extremely generous in his charitable contributions.
AWARDS
2005
Technology Leadership Award
FROST & SULLIVAN
Presented to Joe Hernandez / Innovative Biosensors Inc
2006
MARYLAND DAILY RECORD
Innovator of the Year
Presented to Joe Hernandez / Innovative Biosensors Inc
2017
Grand Gaiman Award
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC ALUMNI
Presented to Joe Hernandez for his donation to UF
INTERVIEWS
Hernandez has participated in many interviews, podcasts, and panel discussions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The majority of his interviews are in support of specific research or discussing one of his company missions, but Hernandez is also known for his contributions in discussions on global health topics and the support of the necessity of research funding and grants.
One of his most notable participations was in 2009 when Hernandez gave congressional testimony in front of the House Subcommittee on contracting and technology. The hearing occurred on June 4, 2009.
Additional interviews, podcasts and articles:
Developing a Lifetime, Universal Influenza Vaccine. (J.Hernandez. Interview. Conducted by John Parkinson for Contagion Live. 04 December 2020)
Founder Joseph Hernandez Talks Blue Water Acquisition Corp. (J.Hernandez. Interview. Conducted for The Watch List. 13 January 2021)
SPACs and infectious disease past and future, Joe Hernandez, CEO, Blue Water Acquisition Corp. (J.Hernandez. Interview. conducted for SoundCloud. 30 March 2021)
Interview with Blue Water Chairman Joe Hernandez. (J.Hernandez. Podcast Interview. Conducted by David E. Williams for Health Business Group. 29 July 2021)
Joseph Hernandez The Chief Executive Officer of Blue Water Vaccines Konusmasi. (J.Hernandez. Interview. Conducted for Istanbul Ekonomi Zirvesi. 03 January 2022)
Blue Water Vaccines: Using vaccines to solve global health challenges. (J.Hernandez. Interview. Conducted by Jane King for LilaMax Media. 05 November 2022)
Moving Vaccine Technologies from Lab to Market with Joe Hernandez Blue Water Vaccines. (J.Hernandez. Podcast Interview. Conducted by Karen Jagoda for Empowered Patient Podcast. 11 October 2022)
Joseph Hernandez, Transforming the Biotechnology Industry. (2022 December, Joseph Hernandez, Luxury Magazine, Volume 126, Issue 2022, Pg 77. retrieved from https://issuu.com/luxurymag/docs/joseph_hernandez_-en-luxury_n126-issuu)
The Oxford Dodo?...Joe Hernandez, Blue Water Vaccines. (J.Hernandez. Interview. Conducted by Dr. Moira Gunn for BioTech Nation. 15 February 2023)
Joseph Hernandez, Blue Water Vaccines: Developing Transformative Vaccines to Address Major Health Challenges.(J.Hernandez, Interview. Conducted by Rob Dillard for DocWire News. 9 March 2023)
PERSONAL LIFE
When not working to push scientific research forward or attending a charity event, Hernandez likes to spend time enjoying one of his many other passions. He is the father of 3, an avid boatsman, pilot, wine connoisseur, and antique car collector. He also loves to travel.
Hernandez currently spends his time between South Florida and NYC.
