Three technology mistakes that cost biotechs 12–18 months and $500K+.
Most Series A and B biotechs make these mistakes at exactly the moment when capital efficiency matters most.
Buying eClinical tools from separate vendors that don't integrate — and no one on the team knows how to make them work together.
Outsourcing the entire technology stack to a CRO — losing internal visibility and control over your own trial data.
Adopting AI because investors expect it — without a compliant framework, creating FDA audit risk at the worst possible moment.
Elias Tharakan — the 60-second version
Elias Tharakan
Chief Executive & Technology Officer, AyurDatta
15+ years at DSG as CTO and COO — built the industry's first unified eClinical SaaS (EDC + CTMS + RTSM + eCOA + Safety), 1,000+ trials, acquired by Signant Health in 2023. Created the FAST Methodology (70% faster delivery). Now CEO of CliniDash and Co-Founder of AyurDatta.
Three moments when fractional CTO support makes the difference
Technology choices made now can either accelerate future studies or create years of rework.
Get founder-level support without a full-time executive commitment — typically active within 2 weeks.
Align innovation with 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, and inspection readiness from day one.
Core advisory areas
eClinical Platform Strategy
- ► Vendor selection and consolidation roadmap
- ► EDC, RTSM/IRT, ePRO, CTMS, safety system integration
- ► Implementation sequencing with measurable milestones
AI and Data Governance
- ► Use-case prioritization for immediate operational value
- ► Validation, auditability, and model risk controls
- ► Data quality standards for submission-ready outputs
Operational Leadership
- ► Technology operating model for lean biotech teams
- ► Cross-functional governance between clinical, safety, and regulatory
- ► Board-ready roadmap and investment-grade narrative
Execution Oversight
- ► Monthly architecture and risk reviews
- ► Strategic support for critical vendor decisions
- ► Direct access to AyurDatta clinical leadership when needed
Four commitment levels
Final scope depends on delivery cadence and complexity — finalized on the discovery call.
Core Advisor
4–6 hrs / month
Periodic reviews and strategic guidance for teams with existing technical leadership.
Scoped on discovery call
Strategic Partner
8–12 hrs / month
Vendor decisions, architecture reviews, and cross-functional alignment sessions.
Scoped on discovery call
Fractional CTO
20–30 hrs / month
Active platform leadership across vendor selection, implementation, AI governance, and board reporting.
Scoped on discovery call
Embedded Executive
40+ hrs / month
Principal-level availability across all technology workstreams for complex or multi-trial programs.
Custom scope
Not ready for a retainer?
Audit fees can be credited toward a future retainer engagement.
eClinical Technology Audit
Fixed-fee · 4–6 weeks
Current stack assessment, gap analysis, remediation roadmap.
Vendor Selection & RFP Management
Fixed-fee engagement
Requirements, shortlist, scoring, recommendation.
Digital Transformation Roadmap
Fixed-fee engagement
Current vs. future state, phased execution plan.
AI Integration Assessment
Fixed-fee engagement
Where AI can be applied compliantly; build vs. buy guidance.
Ideal client profile
Series A or B biotech with an active or planned clinical program and no internal CTO
Mid-size CRO (50–500 employees) using legacy or disconnected eClinical tools
Digital health or HealthTech company entering the clinical trial space
Any team that has bought Veeva, Medidata, or Oracle and isn't getting the ROI they expected
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you start?
Most engagements begin within 2 weeks of SOW signature.
Do you work with companies outside Philadelphia/NJ?
Yes. The majority of engagements are remote-first. Elias works with companies globally.
Is this separate from AyurDatta's safety governance services?
The technology advisory can be engaged completely independently. Many clients use only the fractional CTO engagement. Others engage both — technology leadership and safety governance oversight — and benefit from the coordination between them.
What if my need is project-based rather than ongoing?
Project-based engagements are the most common starting point. Most convert to an ongoing retainer after the first defined project.
Need a combined clinical and technology leadership model?
Pair this with Fractional CMO advisory for unified executive strategy across clinical and technology.