From lab to market: Irati's startup journey

Scientific knowledge can have a significant impact beyond academic publications, and the scientific community plays a unique role in translating this knowledge into positive societal change. One way to facilitate this knowledge transfer is to set up a science startup, an opportunity Irati stumbled upon roughly one year ago.

During her PhD and post-doc years, Irati conducted all lab work and animal experiments on her research topic possible within an academic setting. She realized that to continue with human trials and eventually make a societal impact, she needed to manufacture the drug they had developed, which requires significant funding. Since such large amounts can only be found outside of academia, she decided, together with Sebas, to transform their research into a startup - Lumox.

This pathway was far from an obvious choice for Irati. Entrepreneurship always comes with risks, and she has a family to consider. However, after a six-month trial period delving deeper into the startup world, she discovered that she really enjoys it. “Even though it’s risky, I trust in my technology,” Irati explains, adding, “and I am actually enjoying it a lot!”

Irati and Sebas joined UtrechtInc’s evening course Ready to Start in the spring of 2023, and continued to the validation programme for life sciences startups. During the latter, they learned how to identify their customers and key stakeholders, as well as the funding options available for science-based startups at their stage. Most importantly, according to Irati, they gained access to a network of people who can help them on this journey.

The programmes of UtrechtInc

Every March and October, UtrechtInc starts a new edition of their validation programmes. They come in two flavors: one specifically targeting startup ideas in life sciences, and another supporting startup ideas in all other sciences. These programmes aim to introduce researchers to entrepreneurship and help them explore the market fit of their research projects. This is achieved through entrepreneurship education, a network of coaches, mentors, and professionals such as lawyers and accountants, office facilities, and a connection with a community of startups.

For those seeking a more lightweight introduction to the science startup scene and entrepreneurship, the four-week evening course Ready to Start is an ideal starting point, with the next one commencing in November. This course is open to researchers with or without a startup concept, and shed light on some of the most important topics in a startup trajectory, such as building a successful team and finding funding.

For the absolute novice in the science startup jungle, UtrechtInc is hosting an Open Day for Researchers on the 3rd of September from 15:30-17:00. During this event, participants get an introduction to UtrechtInc and will learn how they help researchers make a societal impact by setting up science startups. You will also meet three successful researchers who are already a few years into their startup careers. You can sign up now to secure your spot.

Want to learn more about UtrechtInc? Check out their website or reach out to Lina (lina@utrechtinc.nl) for an introductory meeting.

Source: UtrechtInc