About Us

Our Mission

At KICS, our mission is to deliver white-glove service that empowers clients to unlock the full potential of their biopharma innovations. We accelerate clinical development with empathy, inclusivity, and integrity, ensuring life-changing treatments reach those in need faster and more efficiently.

Our Story & Values

Founded in 2023 by Dr. Tina Karunaratne — a visionary leader and woman of color — KICS was born from a belief in the power of team science and interdisciplinary collaboration to transform clinical research. We recognized a critical gap in the industry: no CRO truly understood the unique needs of emerging biotech — their agility, constraints, and bold vision. KICS fills that gap with a nimble, purpose-built CRO model tailored for startups with fewer than 50 employees and trials operating under lean budgets.

Our name reflects our core values: Kindness, Integrity, Commitment, and Strength. These principles guide everything we do, from partnering with clients to designing smart, scalable solutions. At KICS, we foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity, empowering our team and yours to tackle challenges with creativity, compassion, and rigor.

Every project we take on is more than a contract — a shared mission to accelerate research and improve patient outcomes.

WHERE WE'VE WORKED

Industry Awards

Corporate Social Responsibility

Our mission extends beyond clinical research—we’re committed to uplifting communities and fostering equity. Our CSR  efforts reflect this commitment, supporting organizations that champion compassion and empowerment:

United Humanitarian Aid Guarantee Limited

United Humanitarian Aid is a non-profit charity in Sri Lanka founded by a group of young individuals willing to help people overcome life’s challenges.

Voice for Voiceless

Voice is a non-profit organization in Sri Lanka that was established to raise awareness and ignite hope in those who feel hopeless through a series of associate advocacy initiatives.

Pathways To Trust

Pathways to Trust is a Patient Advocacy organization that is leading the way toward patient-centricity, collaboratively creating interactive educational programs.

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is a large independent cancer research charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influencing public policy, and providing information to the public.

Mentor to Motivate (MTM)

Mentor to Motivate (MTM) is a non-profit providing local opportunities to students via Summer Activities, Counseling & Tutoring Services.

These partnerships embody our belief that meaningful change arises from collaboration and a shared commitment to equity and dignity.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Our mission extends beyond clinical research—we’re committed to uplifting communities and fostering equity. Our CSR  efforts reflect this commitment, supporting organizations that champion compassion and empowerment:

Pathways To Trust:

Elevating the voices of rare disease patients to promote empathy and inclusivity in healthcare.

Voice for Voiceless:

Providing education, safe housing, and community support to vulnerable populations in Sri Lanka.

United Humanitarian Aid Guarantee Limited

Providing education, safe housing, and community support to vulnerable populations in Sri Lanka.

These partnerships embody our belief that meaningful change arises from collaboration and a shared commitment to equity and dignity.

Why KICS?

Choosing KICS means choosing a partner who cares as much about your trial as you do. We measure success by the milestones we help you meet and the impact we help you deliver. With our flexible, cost-conscious model and dedication to small biopharma, we’re here to move your program forward confidently.

At KICS, we offer end-to-end clinical trial support through a trusted network of strategic partners. Need biostatistics, pharmacovigilance, or central lab services? We’ve got you covered. Our seamless, all-in-one model eliminates the complexity of managing multiple vendors, giving you comprehensive solutions without the overhead.

We understand the realities of early-stage biotech. Whether you’re launching a small Phase I study or a niche rare disease trial, we tailor our services to your needs, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.

KICS is proudly led by an all-women C-suite—a point of purpose and strategic strength. Our leadership champions diversity of thought, inclusive collaboration, and bold innovation. We’re committed to elevating underrepresented voices in science, and our clients benefit from the unique perspectives this brings. “Karuna” means compassion—a core value that shapes every project we take on. We invite you to join us in advancing healthcare, one clinical trial at a time.