Seema Kumar

Seema Kumar is the chief executive officer of Cure, a healthcare innovation campus in New York City that serves as a hub for startups, established companies, and thought leaders focused on advancing medical breakthroughs. Under Kumar's leadership, Cure has fostered cross-sector collaboration and supported ventures that have collectively raised more than $1 billion, with a mission to accelerate the translation of new ideas into practical health solutions. Kumar is known for building ecosystems that connect science, business, and public health, and for her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare innovation.

Before joining Cure, Kumar spent nearly two decades at Johnson & Johnson in senior leadership roles, most notably as global head of the Office of Innovation, Global Health and Scientific Engagement. There, she led the launch of Johnson & Johnson’s Innovation Centers and JLABS, directed global public health initiatives, and played a central role in the company’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy and public education efforts. Earlier in her career, Kumar held positions at the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research, contributing to the Human Genome Project, and at institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Kumar is a frequent speaker at industry events and is recognized for her ability to translate complex scientific and health topics into actionable strategies for diverse audiences. She has received recognition for her advocacy of innovation and public health, and her work has contributed to collaborative models that drive progress in healthcare. In addition to her executive roles, Kumar is the founder of SEEMA, a platform empowering South Asian women globally, highlighting her dedication to representation and empowerment in science and business.