Silviu Itescu is a medical researcher who has made the transition from being a global leader in his research field to be a highly successful entrepreneur. He has demonstrated how science and technology can result in world-scale companies through innovation and entrepreneurship. He has a distinguished record as a researcher in a search for effective therapeutic agents involving the use of adult stem cells which avoid rejection by the recipient. Such products can lead to regeneration of damaged heart tissue in coronary disease, as well as other diseases such as diabetes, and eye diseases. Now his relentless quest for novel and more effective therapeutic agents coupled with his entrepreneurial leadership has led to his formation of Mesoblast, a $2 billion market capitalisation biotechnology company engaged in late-stage clinical trials of his products.