Orin Herskowitz’s Post

TL;DR: researcher-entrepreneurs are creating the technologies that may keep Earth habitable through the 21st century and beyond. PhDs and postdocs are jumping in to fill the gap left by the decline of corporate research and innovation. “The system is not working fast enough or well enough to solve these big systemic problems.” The path to bringing those innovations to market isn't always straightforward (as one founder says in this piece, venture capitalists "want to be very wealthy in 3 years. I’ll potentially still be in the lab in 3 years"). Having additional access to facilities, mentorship, networks, support, and honestly just time on a longer-term horizon can be a game changer. https://lnkd.in/g4UjD-kV #phd #research #innovation #entrepreneurship #commercialisation #researchtranslation

This recent C&EN article offers a compelling inside look at the unique experiences that come with running chemical and materials startups — great to see so many names and programs I know in this article! The article contrasts the Bell Labs era of funding with today’s innovation funding landscape, underscoring the importance of programs like the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR program and Activate and equipping PhD students to lead companies. https://lnkd.in/gpTJ5H4D While PhDs transitioning to CEOs undeniably face unique hurdles, they’re also incredibly well-equipped to lead. I love this YC article, which serves as a practical guide to empower PhDs embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. https://lnkd.in/gtMymATe I'll leave you with my favorite quotes from each of the articles: From the C&EN article: “'Real-world impact is the most important thing for me, beyond anything else,' says Sudharsan Dwaraknath, who cofounded the agricultural biotechnology start-up Quorum Bio. 'I want to die knowing that people who are vulnerable and marginalized have a better quality of life because of what I did.'" And from the YC article: "People who work in business like to make it sound hard, as if business were like quantum physics, a field that needed to be studied for years to master. The fact is, it’s not even close."

Launching a startup based on chemical or materials innovation is an extremely challenging process. Scientists have to master team management, understand investor pitching, and navigate numerous obstacles. Many who try will fail. Yet despite the difficulties in funding and the low odds of success, some scientists are still pursuing this path. Why? Because “the system is not working fast enough or well enough to solve these big systemic problems” that require science innovation, says Activate CEO Cyrus Wadia, in this compelling story in C&EN. As the article points out, Activate Fellows are some of the scientists leading the charge to show that jumping from the lab to the C-suite of a startup is not only possible but also a key way to bring scientific research to market and impact the world. We highly recommend checking out this engaging deep dive by reporter Matt Blois, in which the rocky road of the science entrepreneurship landscape is explored. The piece features multiple Activate Fellows including Sudharsan Dwaraknath (Quorum Bio, Cohort 2022), Andrew Wang and Richard May (Standard Potential Co., Cohort 2024), and Raymond Weitekamp (polySpectra, Cohort 2015)–as well as Activate chief fellowship officer Brenna Teigler, PhD. And if you're a scientist wanting to push the boundaries of what's possible with entrepreneurship, check out our application page on our website. 2025 applications open on September 4, 2024. https://lnkd.in/gBVzi3mG

Science Creates launches 2nd engineering biology accelerator - Digital Health #ScienceCreates #EngineeringBiology #Accelerator Science Creates has recently launched its second engineering biology accelerator program, aimed at fostering innovation in the field of engineering biology. The program will provide funding, mentorship, and resources to startups and researchers working on cutting-edge projects in this area. #Benefits of the Accelerator Program Participants in the engineering biology accelerator program will have access to a wide range of benefits, including funding opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, and access to state-of-the-art lab facilities. This will enable them to accelerate the development of their projects and bring them to market more quickly. #Focus Areas for Innovation The accelerator program will focus on several key areas of innovation within engineering biology, including synthetic biology, genetic engineering, ai.mediformatica.com #programme #accelerator #sciencecreates #equity #innovation #research #ukresearchandinnovation #engineeringbiology #funding #health #launch #acceleratorprogramme #digitalhealth #healthit #healthtech #healthcaretechnology @MediFormatica (https://buff.ly/49WwBhM)

Recently came across an excellent article highlighting the incredible journey of scientists transitioning from #academia to #entrepreneurship. As large corporate R&D labs like Bell Labs have faded into history, a new wave of #university spinoff #startups has arrived, bringing their technology out of the lab and into the market to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. As a scientist turned entrepreneur, I resonate deeply with this article. Our mission at MFNS Tech Inc. is to commercialize cutting-edge #nanotech solutions for #environmental #remediation, a goal that requires not just scientific expertise but also the ability to understand the complexities of business. The transition from a research-focused mindset to run a startup is no easy feat. It involves learning how to pitch ideas to investors, manage teams, and make critical decisions within limited resources. As mentioned in the article, support from programs like National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR program has been crucial to bridge the gap between science and business. For all the scientist turned entrepreneurs out there, I would recommend you to read this article. It's a tough road but the potential to make a real impact makes it all worth it. #Cleantech #Startups #Sustainability #MFNSTech

Why we have to worry about 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🤔 Every time science advances, new fields of research emerge, leading to more specialized subjects. For example, philosophy gave birth to math, physics, and chemistry, and biology spawned molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Today's world is highly specialized, with countless fields of expertise that only a few people understand. However, national innovation agencies often focus on tackling big research questions. 🎯 This isn't their fault. Centralized planning simply can't reach everything, no matter how liberal the approach. Similarly, the creation of innovative #startups is often limited. Only a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of scientific papers published each year eventually become startups. ➡️ This doesn't mean that the unselected papers are worthless or basic research. It's just that starting a startup is so expensive that only the top technologies can make it through. So, the question of whether reforming our innovation agencies is enough to close the innovation gap has a clear answer: 𝗡𝗢. We need to provide tools for partially unsupervised diversification to flourish. 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, not just the biggest hits. Even small steps forward can be invaluable. 📢 #innovation #democratization #science #startups #research #technology #business #future

Delighted for the opportunity to give a presentation about Cambridge Tech last week at Founders at the University of Cambridge's Demo Day in at Kings Place in London. Huge thanks to Gerard Grech for making this happen. A link to the PDF and some other data will follow in the comments. Some takeaways:  🧬 Cambridge ranks third globally, following Boston, in terms of output per capita in scientific and engineering breakthroughs making their way to making their way into products and companies 📈 Cambridge represents 18% of UK's tech value, with only 3% of the input! It produces over $16.9 in value for every dollar of VC investment. A testament to the potential when academia, entrepeneurship and venture capital converge 🧪 Cambridge is the #1 university in Europe for producing spinouts, showcasing its robust pipeline of innovation Great to see these findings got covered by BBC News TV, City AM, and others. Curious about Cohort 1.0? AetoSense – applying patented technology to drive precision in air quality monitoring, addressing potential health hazards BioTryp Therapeutics – dividing bacteria to conquer infections and provide an alternative to traditional antibiotics, starting with urinary tract infections BravelyCultured – using a proprietary marine microbial biobank and solid-state cultivation methods to replace animal- and petroleum-based products Cambridge Vision Technology – early detection of Alzheimer’s Molyon – creating next generation high-energy density batteries for weight-critical applications Nanomation – building computer vision software for the semiconductor industry to enable clients to build products using advanced, complex nanomaterials Orbit – using non-invasive nanotechnology to create a smart fitness device for brains, making mental health data transparent and actionable Protonera – turning waste plastics into valuable commodities to make recycling work VOLTQUANT – fixing the UK electricity grid to solve one of the biggest challenges preventing Net Zero   William Oak – developing a point-of-care test for micronutrient deficiencies to improve maternal, infant and child health Xterna – engineering a cell-targeting platform that delivers therapeutic cargo to specific cell types cc Dealroom.co, Orla Browne, Serena Connor

Oxford’s Remarkable Spinout Success: A Closer Look 🔎 Author Maskali Ries highlights the University of Oxford's notable track record in producing successful technology spinouts. Key insights include the university's nurturing environment and strong support systems, exemplified by spinouts like Nanopore, Vaccitech, and Quantum Dice. Some of Oxford's spinouts have made significant strides in biotech and data encryption, benefiting from Oxford's research facilities, mentorship, and investment programs run by EnSpire Oxford and others. The article also touches on Oxford's commercialisation strategies and challenges, suggesting areas for improvement to enhance its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/edp7Yi5i

You need a launchpad

📣 There is just 1 week left to submit your application for the Science Creates Engineering Biology Accelerator Programme!   So, what makes a good application? What is the programme team looking for? Here are 5 tips to from me and Francis Lister, to help you stand out from the crowd: 1. Is your idea/technology really EngBio? We accept candidates from a variety of backgrounds and technology stages – from idea only to proof of concept. But one thing is essential – that what you bring to the table fits with the UKRI definition of Engineering Biology. If in doubt, check our website FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gw_khDsF 2. How serious are you about accelerating your idea or company? We want you to show how committed you are. Show us you have thought about your IP position? Have you talked to your university tech transfer team if your company will be using university-generated IP? Have you explored the need for your technology in the market? Show us how eager you are to learn and committed to driving your company forwards! 3. Make no assumptions about your audience. We are scientists, but we may not be experts in your specific field, so take a step back and remember: make it short, accessible and non-confidential. If you need to use jargon or acronyms, be ready to provide definitions, too. You'll develop communication skills during the Programme, but this is a great opportunity to start honing those skills. 4. Why now? Is it the right time for your technology to get out into the world? What sets it apart from others? Let us know where you believe the market is and build a case for it! 5. Why you? What will make you a good founder? Particularly if you're coming to us with a technology at the idea-only or pre-proof-of-concept stage, we want to know about the transferable skills and experience that will stand you in good stead to propel your idea forwards. We don't need the full package – our accelerator will support you in key areas (investment, grants, leadership, team and technology), but we want to know what would make you a good candidate for this programme! Still have questions about the application? Check our FAQs! https://lnkd.in/gw_khDsF Submit your application by Wednesday 3rd April: https://lnkd.in/eK-n8Xt9 #EngBio #deeptech #SynBio #spinout #startup #accelerator