Inaugural ‘From Lab to Launch’ event ignites entrepreneurial spirit among scientists
/ via embl/
The event, co-organised by EMBL, EMBLEM, DESY, and HEREON, bridged research and entrepreneurship, fuelling innovation and discovery
By Laurène Ramos Martins, Business Development Manager, EMBLEM
In a landmark gathering on 14 May 2024, EMBL, EMBLEM, DESY and HEREON converged at the Start-up Lab Bahrenfeld venue for their inaugural event ‘From Lab to Launch’. This event provided a dynamic platform for scientists to explore the intersection of research and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for a fresh wave of innovation and discovery.
The atmosphere was vibrant as attendees immersed themselves in a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. From a captivating keynote speech to engaging panel discussions, the event inspired participants, guiding them on their journey from lab research to entrepreneurial success.
A highlight was the keynote address by Thomas Hanke, EVP and Head of Academic Partnerships at Evotec, who shared best practices in accelerating translation of academic research into commercially viable products. He presented the risks and opportunities inherent in this endeavour, emphasising the pivotal role of industry collaborations. “It’s not a question of if, but when you’ll need them,” he noted. Acknowledging the challenges of the process, he added, “You won’t get it right on the first try; it’s never a straight line.” Hanke proposed a solution-oriented approach, advocating a risk-taking mindset as the key to overcoming hurdles.
The keynotes set the stage for a compelling panel discussion, moderated by Dorothea Ringe, Head of DESY Start-up Office, which provided insights into entrepreneurship in the scientific realm. Expert panellists, including Katarzyna Polak-Krasna, founder of Sensimply, Dimitri Svergun, EMBL alumnus as well as co-founder and Managing Director of BioSAXS, Jürgen Bauer, Deputy Managing Director of EMBLEM, and Julian Van Hassel, Chairman of Baltic Business Angels Schleswig-Holstein e.V., shared their wealth of experience in the field.
The panellists offered new perspectives on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the entrepreneurial landscape. Svergun underscored the importance of institutional support, citing EMBLEM as a prime example: “Scientists must turn to their organisation, like with EMBLEM, to ignite their entrepreneurial path.” Attendees actively engaged in discussion, posing numerous questions to the panellists and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The experience also provided attendees with actionable takeaways for their own entrepreneurial journeys.
‘From Lab to Launch’ provided numerous networking opportunities, with the ‘Speed Dating’ session particularly standing out. This set of personalised meetings proved particularly impactful, as participants exchanged ideas and explored potential collaborations in a condensed yet dynamic setting. Reflecting on the experience, one attendee noted, “In just a few minutes, I learned more about potential industry collaborations than in months of emails.” Another shared how the session provided a welcoming atmosphere to practice elevator pitches, encouraging a sense of openness and camaraderie among participants.
The participants praised the event for its impact and relevance, noting its effectiveness in addressing their most pressing concerns regarding entrepreneurship. Many expressed their appreciation to the keynote speaker, panellists, experts, and organisers for their dedication and commitment to supporting aspiring science-preneurs.
Looking ahead, the organisers are excited to build on the success of the inaugural event and to continue fostering a dynamic ecosystem for science-driven entrepreneurship. With plans for future events and initiatives already in the making, the journey ‘From Lab to Launch’ is set to hopefully inspire and empower scientists for years to come.