Dr. Poonam Malik is a distinguished entrepreneurial business strategist, Life Sciences leader, and innovation investor, with extensive expertise in biotech, MedTech, health, and digital transformation. She is the Chairperson and Co-founder of Microplate Dx Ltd, a MedTech Scaling company tackling the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Malik has held impactful roles on many national boards in Scotland, including Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland, advising on economic growth, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and skills/talent development. She was appointed Co-Chair of Scotland's New Deal for Business Group (NDBG), Co-sharing the role with Cabinet Secretary for Economy, working with business leaders to deepen collaboration between the private sector and government.

As a former Head of Investments at the University of Strathclyde, Dr. Malik led strategic investments into Spinouts, Spinins & startup companies, returning significant profits via exits and management responsibility for a significant portfolio of companies. She is passionate about supporting diverse founders, mentors business leaders, and has received several honours, including ‘Business Woman of the Year 2023’ and 'Asian Tech Pioneer 2024' for her contributions to the Business & technology sectors.