Who we are

Norbert Hagen is the founder of HELIX Design Lab, a San Diego–based consulting firm helping biotech companies — particularly in molecular diagnostics and next‑generation sequencing — innovate instruments, consumables, and automation. He collaborates with industry partners to define requirements, evaluate technologies, and accelerate products from concept to manufacturable solutions.

Previously, Norbert spent 20 years at Hologic, leading the instrument and consumables design and guided cross‑functional teams through product development and scale‑up of the Panther and Panther-Fusion platforms. Earlier roles include engineering leadership at GenOptix (FACS cell sorter), Arcturus (single‑cell microdissection), and Spectra-Physics (solid state lasers).

Norbert brings deep expertise in instrumentation, opto-mechanics, mechanisms, microfluidics, consumables, and automation to help biotech organizations deliver compliant, commercially viable diagnostic solutions.

Norbert Hagen

Founder - Engineering Lead

Todd Tuggle

Co-Founder - Systems & Assay Lead

Todd Tuggle is an accomplished research scientist and engineering leader with over 25 years of experience advancing molecular diagnostics, assay integration, and automated system development from concept through global commercialization. As a Senior Principal Engineer at Hologic, Todd transformed complex scientific and engineering challenges into reliable, market-ready diagnostic products.

Before joining Hologic, Todd led a team at AviaraDx, developing and validating PCR assays derived from microarray-based gene expression signatures for use in a CLIA-certified laboratory. At Arcturus Bioscience, he established one of the first low-input microarray programs using laser-captured tissues, and earlier at Motorola Biochip Systems, he contributed to the development of the CodeLink™ microarray platform.

With a foundation in biology and extensive experience integrating assays with automated workflows, Todd combines scientific insight with engineering precision to deliver assay integration, technology assessment, and product development consulting for clients creating next-generation diagnostic systems.

David Opalsky

Co-Founder - Chief Technologist

David Opalsky is a seasoned engineering and product development leader with more than three decades of experience advancing medical device and diagnostic technologies. As a former Vice President and Distinguished Fellow at Hologic, Inc., he guided the creation of market-leading molecular diagnostic systems including the Panther, Panther Fusion, and Panther Plus platforms.

Before joining Hologic, David held senior engineering roles at Sequenom and i-STAT Corporation, where he contributed to breakthroughs in high-throughput DNA analysis and the world’s first handheld blood analyzer. Earlier in his career, he worked on advanced MRI systems at Fonar and magnetic and optical device research at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

With a foundation in biomedical and electrical engineering from Boston University and executive education from UC Berkeley, David combines technical depth with strategic insight. Today, he offers consulting and advisory services in product innovation, systems engineering, and technical leadership for organizations developing complex diagnostic or analytical instruments.