Kristina Kitko in

Kristina Kitko

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Director of Venture Science at Eli Lilly and Company
📍 San Francisco Bay Area, United States

Kristina Kitko is the Head of AI Investment at Lilly Ventures, where she leverages her background as a neuroscientist and engineer to lead early-stage investments. Educated at Vanderbilt University and MIT, she focuses on integrating next-generation AI across the pharmaceutical value chain, particularly through strategic partnerships and external innovation.

Outside of her investment role, Kristina is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, having co-founded Diversify Neuro to support underrepresented neuroscientists. She is also personally invested in advancing womens health initiatives and mentoring early-career scientists, helping them bridge the gap from academia to industry.

Unique fact: Kristina transitioned from hands-on academic research in neuroscience, including work with graphene-based nanomaterials, to shaping AI strategy at a top global pharmaceutical company.

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Experience
9 Years
Current Role
Director of Venture Science
Job Level
Mid-senior
Location
San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Personality Overview

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Priorities

Topics Kristina cares about

AI in Drug Discovery
Leads AI investment for Lilly, focusing on next-generation approaches across the pharma value chain and recently spoke on this topic at an SF-based event.
Venture Investing
Identifies and supports Seed to Series B opportunities as part of Lilly's external innovation and venture science divisions.
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Career

Work history

2-2023
Director of Venture Science
Eli Lilly and Company
3-2022 - 2-2023
Corporate Strategy and Business Development Associate
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
2-2022 - 8-2022
Project Manager
Biotech Connection - Bay Area, Inc.
6-2021 - 8-2021
Venture Fellow
Flagship Pioneering
11-2020 - 12-2022
Co-Founder
Diversify Neuro
In the press

Media appearances

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Education
1-2019 - 3-2022
Postdoctoral Associate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2013 - 2018
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Vanderbilt University
Social presence
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Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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