In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, host Nehar Mortuza sits down with Rahmad Akbar, Senior Data Scientist in Antibody Design at Novo Nordisk. Rahmad shares his remarkable journey from his roots in Indonesia to his pivotal role at the forefront of machine learning-driven protein engineering. Together, they explore how AI is revolutionising antibody design — from the technical advances and current challenges to the growing role of generative models in creating next-generation therapeutics. Rahmad offers insights into how these technologies are accelerating drug discovery, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare. He also speaks candidly about his transition from academia to industry, the personal motivations that fuel his work, and why collaboration and innovation are more essential than ever in the life sciences. Whether you're passionate about biotech, data science, or career development, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives you won't want to miss.
Timestamp and Show notes:
00:38 Meet Our Special Guest: Rahmad Akbar
02:19 Rahmad's Journey: From Indonesia to Novo Nordisk
03:35 The Role of Coding in Biotechnology
04:45 Antibody Design: Challenges and Innovations
06:48 Generative AI in Drug Design
10:04 Future Trends and Democratizing AI
19:00 Personal Motivations and Career Reflections
24:31 Transitioning from Academia to Industry
29:47 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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In this episode, we take you inside the story of Mmimetika, a biotech venture co-founded by researchers Mogens Johannsen and Thomas Poulsen. What began as a bold university lab project has grown into a breakthrough company developing a compound that mimics some of the key health benefits of exercise and fasting.
By combining ketones and lactate in a single, novel molecule, Mmimetika's lactate | ketone non-medicinal supplement provides promising support for metabolic control and longevity.
We dive into their journey from academic discovery to commercial reality — securing patents, scaling production, attracting investors, and building a business team around their scientific vision.
Now on the cusp of regulatory approval, Mmimetika is actively searching for a dynamic CEO to lead the charge into market launch and long-term growth.
Whether you're curious about biotech entrepreneurship, metabolic health innovations, or how groundbreaking research turns into real-world solutions, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Shownotes and Timestamps
[00:00:00] Company Introduction
[00:01:12] Mimicking Exercise and Fasting
[00:04:08] Current Status and Journey
[00:05:54] Product Superiority and Development
[00:08:13] Competition and IP
[00:10:18] Funding and Investor Relations
[00:11:17] Technical Aspects of the Product
[00:13:00] Clinical Evidence and Scientific Approach
[00:14:22] Non-Medical Claims
[00:15:29] Market Focus and Positioning
[00:17:58] Roadmap and Milestones
[00:21:22] Organizational Structure and Key Risks
[00:23:00] CEO Transition and Future Roles
[00:25:04] Company Culture and CEO Profile
[00:27:26] Soft Skills and Ideal Timing for CEO
[00:29:42] How Listeners Can Support
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In this episode, we sit down with Janine Erler, CEO, and Lluís Riera Ponsati, Program Lead at NEUmiRNA Therapeutics to discuss their groundbreaking work in developing disease-modifying RNA therapies for neurological disorders.
From their startup journey to the intricate science behind their therapies, the conversation spans key milestones, technology challenges, and the unique patient-focused culture at Neumirna.
Janine and Lluís share insights on their successful fundraising, the impact of their microRNA-based approach, and the practical aspects of going from academic research to clinical applications.
They also discuss the organizational dynamics, collaborations, and future aspirations of the company, making this a compelling listen for any life sciences professional interested in the transformative potential of RNA therapies.
Show notes & Timestamp
00:43 Introducing Neumirna Therapeutics
02:10 Founding Story of Neumirna
03:29 Key Milestones and Team Growth
06:50 Challenges and Collaborations
15:23 Technology Behind Neumirna's RNA Therapies
23:19 Focus on Neurological Diseases
24:57 Exploring the Potential of ASO Technology
25:26 The Future of RNA Therapies
27:44 Navigating Regulatory Challenges
28:37 Team and Culture at Neumirna
35:23 Hiring and Onboarding at Neumirna
37:36 Proud Moments and Achievements
43:02 Immediate Priorities and Challenges
44:43 Connecting with the Community
45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode, Susanne Gløersen, founder of The Future of Fungi Award and Fungi Investment Collective, discusses her mission to build a global ecosystem fueled by fungi innovation.
The conversation covers the multifaceted applications of fungi, from food and materials to packaging and environmental remediation.
Susanne shares the origins of her passion for fungi, the purpose and success of the Future Fungi Award, and the criteria for selecting award winners and investment opportunities. She emphasizes the role of fungi in addressing pressing environmental issues and the importance of collaboration and community in advancing fungi innovation.
Additionally, Susanne dives into the workings of the Fungi Investment Collective, highlighting how it supports pioneering scientists and startups with funding and resources.
Essential for anyone interested in sustainable innovation, this episode unveils the transformative potential of fungi and how it can drive us towards a more balanced and nature-cooperative economy.
Shownotes and Timestamps
00:55 Introduction and Overview of Fungi Innovation
01:55 Susanne's Background and Journey into Fungi
04:48 Mission and Vision for Fungi Innovation
06:38 The Future Fungi Award
08:07 Highlighting Award Winners and Their Innovations
15:06 Support and Collaboration Opportunities
19:22 Introduction to the Fungi Investment Collective
24:46 Building a Network of Science Venture Partners
25:30 Investment Priorities and Criteria
26:54 Funding Ranges and Case Dependency
27:54 Connecting with the Fungi Investment Collective
28:55 Opportunities for Aspiring Venture Partners
32:33 Proud Accomplishments and Network Effects
36:27 Challenges and Learnings as a First-Time Entrepreneur
41:12 Future of Fungi Innovation and Exciting Startups
46:33 Conclusion and Call to Join the Movement
Resources Mentioned:
Awards, Collectives, and Initiatives
- Venture Builder Pilot Program (for top scientists)
- The Mycelium Network (community concept)
Podcasts & Media
Notable Startups & Projects
- Jens Laurids Sørensen (battery out of fungi)
- Nova Biome (textile waste to bioactive compounds for cosmetics, in L'Oreal's accelerator)
- Line Kloster Pedersen, Visibuilt (Danish startup making mycelium binder for asphalt production)
- William Newell, Electromicrobial CO2 fixation project (Imperial College of London)
- Nomy (Norwegian Mycelium, feed for aquaculture)
- Michael Lever (German company, surfactants from fungi)
Conferences & Events
- ChangeNow (largest accessibility conference)
- IMC12 (International Mycology Congress)
- Brilliant Minds (an event where Obama and Malala have spoken)
Corporates & Partners
- L'Oreal (accelerator)
- Novo Holdings (jury pre-screening)
- SEB (Green Tech VC, large Nordic Bank)
Book Recommendations
-Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
Other
- LinkedIn (The Fungi Investment Collective)
- Fungi Investment Collective website/contact form
- Email: Suzanne@fungiinvestmentcollective.com
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts:
Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar Mortuza looks into the dynamic world of life sciences with special guest Mikkel Skovborg, Vice President at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Mikkel shares his journey from academia to industry and discusses the foundation’s mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research. He highlights key initiatives like the Bio Innovation Institute (BII) and public-private partnerships that aim to enhance the life science ecosystem in Denmark and beyond. The conversation covers the impact of regulatory challenges, the promise of emerging technologies such as quantum computing and gene cell therapy, and the importance of global talent and collaborations. Mikkel also provides insights on the evolving landscape of life sciences, offering advice to aspiring professionals and reflecting on the lessons learned throughout his career.
Timestamps:
00:45 | Introducing Our Guest – Mikkel Skovborg
01:36 | Career Journey & Influences – From Academia to Industry
04:15 | The Mission & Impact of the Novo Nordisk Foundation
07:22 | Challenges & Opportunities in the Life Science Sector
14:03 | Denmark’s Role as a Hub for Startups & Talent
16:19 | Personal Insights & Reflections from Mikkel Skovborg
19:20 | Conclusion & Key Takeaways
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
Guests: Susanne Palsten Buchardt (Incoming CEO) & Henrik Busch‑Larsen (Founder, former CEO at Algiecel)
Episode in a Tweet
When a founder steps aside, how do you keep the vision alive? Hear how Algiecel is turning a CEO hand‑over into rocket fuel for growth — while scaling microalgae tech that captures CO₂ and feeds the world.
What You’ll Learn
How Algiecel’s photo‑bioreactor technology converts industrial CO₂ into high‑value microalgae ingredients.
The behind‑the‑scenes playbook for planning a smooth CEO succession.
Why trust, transparent communication, and role clarity made the hand‑over a win‑win.
Susanne’s journey from strategy consultant to CCO to CEO—and Henrik’s new focus on partnerships & investment.
Actionable advice for founders preparing their own succession road‑map.
00:00 Intro – Welcome & episode set‑up
02:04 Algiecel’s Mission & Tech – Microalgae, CO₂ utilisation, and photo‑bioreactors
04:45 Origin Story – Henrik’s eco‑vision and the company’s early pivots
09:08 Why Succession & Why Now? – Spotting the right moment for change
12:56 From CCO to CEO – Susanne’s growth path and leadership style
16:05 Building the Dream Team – Diversity, healthy debate, and shared values
21:10 Board & Investor Alignment – Governance during leadership change
22:40 Redefining Roles – Henrik’s shift to partnerships & thought leadership
25:02 Stakeholder Communications – Keeping customers & partners in the loop
30:12 Founders’ Advice – Mentorship, self‑awareness, and planning ahead
36:47 Future Road‑map – Scaling tech, funding, and global impact
38:50 Lightning Round & Wrap‑up – Quick takes and final thoughts
Resource Mentioned:
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen, CEO of Amplify Therapeutics and a seasoned entrepreneur in the life science startup world, joins Søren for an in-depth conversation about building healthy company culture in high-pressure environments.
Drawing on over 15 years of experience—including his pivotal role at Orphazyme, where he contributed to the development and FDA approval of a groundbreaking rare disease treatment (now part of Zevra Therapeutics through acquisition)
The discussion explores how to foster trust-based, high-performance cultures, with a focus on psychological safety, clear communication, competence mapping, and managing the organizational challenges that come with growth. Thomas reflects on his leadership style, the importance of understanding personal strengths and blind spots, and the tools and systems he uses to shape team culture intentionally.
Thomas shares practical insights on when to begin deliberately cultivating culture, how Amplify Therapeutics approaches team dynamics, and the key lessons he’s learned from leading in both startup and scale-up phases.
The conversation also touches on milestones in team development and R&D, and Thomas’s vision for the company’s future.
This episode is especially relevant for startup leaders and life science professionals interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and building strong, sustainable teams in complex, high-stakes environments.
Timestamp and Shownotes:
00:43 – Thomas’s Journey in Biotech
02:04 – Deep Dive into Amplify Therapeutics
06:53 – The Birth of Amplify Therapeutics
16:40 – Building a Healthy Startup Culture
34:23 – Specialization and Responsibility Shifts
35:33 – Leadership and Organizational Growth
38:05 – Competence Mapping and Skills Assessment
39:33 – Trust and Communication in Teams
45:22 – Balancing Fast Decisions with Thoughtfulness
52:28 – Reflections on Achievements and Culture
55:18 – Advice for First-Time CEOs
56:43 – Future Challenges and Opportunities
58:15 – Support and Career Opportunities
01:02:39 – The Reality of Working in Biotech
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
15 min teaser episode. Listen to the full episode in EP56 (Full).
Today we're diving into a biotech story that should be on every venture capitalist’s radar: Amplify Therapeutics. This is a company that’s shaking up drug development for neurodegenerative diseases—think ALS, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia—not by throwing money at the problem, but by building smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
Founded by Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen—yes, the same scientific mind behind the legacy of Orphazyme—Amplify is zeroing in on lysosomal function and proteostasis, two mechanisms that hold huge promise across multiple disease areas. But here’s the kicker: they’re doing it lean. They’ve built a capital-efficient model, using validated targets and real-world biomarkers to reduce risk and speed up timelines.
This isn’t a moonshot—it’s a well-designed, data-driven platform with serious scalability. And with their first program heading into the clinic, Amplify is already primed for partnerships, licensing deals, and smart funding. Add a leadership team with deep regulatory experience and a proven track record of exits, and you’ve got a company that’s not just ready for the next phase—it’s ready to lead.
For VCs looking for high-impact biotech with serious upside, this is one worth watching. Stay tuned—Amplify is just getting started.
Timestamp and Shownotes:
00:00:41 – Thomas shares his entry into biotech via Orphazyme
00:02:00 – Thomas emphasizes the importance of trust-based and healthy team culture for high-performance in biotech environments.
00:02:09 – Thomas explains Amplify’s mission: to develop medicines for genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases by targeting lysosomal biology.
00:03:00 – Discussion on whether Amplify is a platform-based company or asset-driven. Thomas describes their diversified small-molecule approach grounded in deep lysosomal expertise.
00:04:00 – Thomas shares how he reacquired assets from Zevra after Orphazyme's dissolution and spun them into a new company, Amplify Therapeutics.
00:06:00 – Licensing + Foundation of Amplify
00:06:33 – Thomas outlines how he secured a startup grant from BioInnovation Institute (BII) in Copenhagen while finalizing the licensing deal.
00:07:51 – Early Team Building
00:08:33 – Thomas discusses balancing speed, flexibility, and internal know-how through selective in-house work.
00:09:41 – Thomas explains their hybrid approach: outsourcing standard assays, while keeping complex, specialized biology assays in-house for better agility and knowledge retention.
00:11:12 – Current Pipeline Overview Amplify’s portfolio includes three projects:
Lead program with multiple chemistries
Oxford University collaboration
Potential Danish Cancer Society program
00:12:14 – Amplify is preparing for a fundraising round to scale operations and advance pipeline development
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Søren welcomes Svend Petersen and Niels Bjerg Jensen, the pioneering co-founders of Mycoverse, to explore the entrepreneurial journey of building a life science startup that bridges cutting-edge biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
Mycoverse is at the forefront of innovation, leveraging high-throughput screening technology to develop natural solutions for fungal disease control — tackling one of the most pressing challenges in global food security while ensuring environmental safety. But transforming a scientific breakthrough into a viable commercial venture is no small feat.
In this conversation, Svend and Niels share the origin story of Mycoverse, tracing their journey from identifying a critical gap in the market to securing exclusive technology licenses and assembling a team dedicated to reshaping the agricultural landscape. They discuss the defining moments that drove them to build this company, the biggest challenges they’ve faced—including regulatory hurdles, investor skepticism, and early-stage pivots — and the strategies they’ve used to navigate these complexities.
Svend and Niels reflect on the personal lessons learned throughout their entrepreneurial journey — the resilience, adaptability, and vision required to drive innovation in the life sciences sector. They’ll also share their outlook on the future of Mycoverse, from immediate priorities to long-term goals, and offer insights for aspiring founders navigating similar challenges in this space.
If you’re passionate about the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and the future of sustainable agriculture, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on what it really takes to turn groundbreaking research into a thriving startup.
Stay tuned for an inspiring and in-depth conversation with the minds behind Mycoverse, right here on Life Science Talent Talks.
Timestamps:
00:39 Introduction to Mycoverse and Its Founders
02:04 Mycoverse's Mission and Technology
03:51 The Entrepreneurial Journey
05:01 The Birth of Mycoverse
08:09 Challenges and Milestones
12:46 Business Model and Future Plans
17:06 Funding and Investor Relations
18:46 Market Opportunities and Unique Positioning
19:45 Biologicals Discovery Platform: High-Throughput Screening on Filamentous Fungi
20:09 Regulatory Approval and Market Strategy
21:09 Non-GMO and EU Market Considerations
22:14 Partnerships and Customer Dialogues
25:31 Investor Concerns and Speed to Market
29:45 Proud Moments and Team Dynamics
33:39 Future Plans and Challenges
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar explores the development of a dynamic life science talent community. They are joined by Pia Petersen and Ulrik Gade, who share their expertise on agile methodologies, flow-based leadership, and organizational psychology.
The discussion delves into their professional journeys, the founding of Agil Procesforbedring, and the challenges they have navigated. A key focus is how leadership and self-organization can foster innovation and efficiency within life science organizations. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, trust, and continuous improvement in building engaged, high-performing teams.
Throughout the episode, Pia and Ulrik offer practical insights and real-world examples of effective management practices applicable to both startups and large enterprises. The episode concludes with book recommendations and actionable advice for life science professionals looking to enhance leadership and organizational effectiveness.
Timestamps:
00:59 Introduction to Our Guest: Pia Petersen
02:06 Ulrik Gade Journey into Agile and Leadership
04:02 Founding Agil Procesforbedring
07:57 Challenges and Focus of the Company
09:55 Leadership and Self-Organization
17:37 Measuring the Value of Facilitation
21:14 Continuous Improvement and Action Learning
23:51 The Conscious Leader's Dilemma
24:35 Stop Starting, Start Finishing
28:19 The Importance of Transparency
30:53 Engagement and Strategy in the Workplace
33:44 Self-Organization and Task Management
35:24 Operational and Strategic Contexts
38:15 Challenges and Excitements in Leadership
43:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode Dortea Engelund, COO and Co-founder of Devote Consulting, explores her journey of scaling a life sciences consultancy from a bold startup to a thriving organization. Dortea shares key insights into how Devote grew from 2 to 80 employees in just six years while maintaining a strong organizational culture and delivering exceptional value to the biotech and life sciences sector.
This conversation dives into the strategies behind effective recruitment and the art of aligning new talent with company values to foster a cohesive and productive team. Dortea reflects on her personal leadership evolution, offering candid advice on navigating the challenges of delegation, adaptability, and decision-making in a rapidly growing business.
Tune in to uncover the secrets behind building a thriving consultancy while staying true to your mission and values.
Timestamps:
00:29 Guest Background and Career Journey
02:04 Introduction to Devote Consulting
02:19 Core Services and Expertise
03:39 Client Projects and Challenges
07:41 Joining Devote and Early Days
12:03 Scaling Challenges and Hiring Strategies
26:17 Recruitment Process Evolution
38:23 Company Culture and Core Values
42:26 Tools and Processes for Building a Healthy Culture
43:02 Trust and Integrity in Client Relationships
45:01 Recruitment and Matching the Right People
45:58 Formalizing Cultural Values
50:34 Employee Involvement in Company Culture
54:05 Leadership Evolution and Challenges
01:05:07 Balancing Responsibilities and Managing Expectations
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking collaboration between Nordic BioVentures and Amass Technologies, two pioneering firms leveraging AI to supercharge innovation and venture creation.
In this episode, Will Wright, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Nordic BioVentures, and Henrik Jensen, Co-Founder and CEO of Amass Technologies share how they are working with CSO AI-agents and how they were able to create FEESH a company making sustainable fish feed for the future of aquaculture in record time:
The FEESH founders in collaboration with AI-CSO agents were able to fast-track venture creation from idea to POC & funding in just 4 months!!!
We discuss how AI is reshaping the biotech startup landscape by enhancing efficiency, reducing costly experimentation errors, and accelerating validation timelines. The conversation also addresses key challenges in integrating AI into existing workflows, strategies for scaling their approach, and the broader implications for early-stage biotech entrepreneurs.
Will and Henrik provide insights into how AI is not just augmenting but fundamentally reshaping the venture creation process, making high-impact innovation more accessible and scalable.
Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the future of AI-driven biotech innovation and venture creation, the evolving role of human-machine collaboration, and what this means for the next generation of life science entrepreneurs.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
01:18 Origins of the Collaboration
02:28 Introducing GEMMA: The AI Model
05:31 Venture Creation Model
12:25 Human-AI Collaboration Benefits
14:50 Challenges and Future Potential
21:40 Scalability and Implementation
27:10 Future Plans and Closing Remarks
Resource & People Mentioned:
- Nordic BioVentures – http://www.nbv.bio
- Amass Technologies – https://www.amass.tech
- GEMMA – AI-driven scientific intelligence platform developed by Amass Technologies
- FEESH – Case study company leveraging AI CSO agents for accelerated biotech innovation
- Also a shoutout to the team and collaborators behind FEESH: Benjamin Aust, Josephine Schrøder Warming, Christian Code, our AI partners Henrik Jensen & Alexander Junge from amass, and the support from CPHLabs community.
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode Andy Boyce and Shane West introduce "The Forge", Norway's first national biotechnology accelerator, set to launch in 2025.
They outline the structure and objectives of the six-month accelerator program, designed to support early-stage biotech researchers and startups in Norway.
The Forge aims to provide participants with critical knowledge, industry expertise, and expansive networking opportunities to help them advance toward successful commercialization.
Andrew and Shane also highlight the program's collaborative foundation, shared vision, and its unique nationwide scope, all crafted to foster innovation and drive commercial success in the biotech sector.
This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about biotech innovation, entrepreneurship, and the startup ecosystem.
Timestamps:
00:08 Introduction: Overview of Norway's First National Biotech Accelerator
00:33 Guest Spotlight: Meet Andrew Boyce & Shane West
01:50 Target Audience: Who Should Join the Accelerator?
02:44 The Forge: Unpacking the Name, Mission, and Vision
04:39 Collaboration: The Partnership Between Digital Life Norway (DLN) and ALEAP
08:15 Key Takeaways: Program Benefits and Expected Outcomes for Participants
17:19 Applications: Process, Eligibility Criteria, and Key Considerations
18:17 Timeline: Program Schedule and Tips for a Successful Application
29:25 Future Focus: Supporting The Forge and the Growth of Biotech in Norway
30:22 Closing Reflections: Final Thoughts and Key Messages
The Forge Highlights:
- 6-month accelerator, including workshops, remote learning sessions, and expert mentorship.
- Specialized topics such as intellectual property, regulatory pathways, and market access.
- Meet fellow biotech startup founders, researchers, and industry experts.
- Connect with potential mentors, advisors, and partners in Norway’s biotech ecosystem.
- Access to tools, methods, and expertise to tackle commercialization challenges.
- Develop a roadmap for protecting intellectual property and accessing markets..
Resource Mentioned:
Apply to join The Forge accelerator
More about the accelerator programme
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this episode, Jes Andersen, a visionary leader and driving force behind the Innovation District Copenhagen, shares his expertise and insights on the hub's remarkable development and success. With a unique blend of academic, industry, and startup collaboration, the district has emerged as a global innovation hotspot. Jes talks about the origins and growth of the Innovation District, highlighting the pivotal role of strategic partnerships, infrastructure projects, and targeted lobbying efforts.
Throughout the conversation, Jes emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication among diverse stakeholders. He discusses the district's evolution, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving ecosystem, and shares valuable lessons learned along the way. Jes also reflects on his personal journey, revealing the passions and motivations that led him to spearhead this groundbreaking initiative.
As a seasoned expert, Jes offers actionable advice for professionals seeking to contribute to and benefit from Copenhagen's vibrant innovation landscape. He emphasizes the need for adaptability, creativity, and resilience in navigating the complex intersections of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Jes highlights the district's commitment to talent development, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a dynamic and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Timestamps:
Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 03:50)
00:32 - Overview of the Innovation District
District Development (03:50 - 11:14)
03:50 - Rebranding and Development Strategies
08:29 - Fostering Collaborations and Partnerships
Ecosystem Support (11:14 - 21:03)
11:14 - Government Support and Advocacy Efforts
15:04 - Quantum Computing and Emerging Trends
16:52 - Startup Support and Impact Assessment
Vision and Leadership (21:03 - 34:32)
21:03 - Copenhagen's Attractiveness and Vision
31:25 - Jes Andersen's Personal Journey and Career Path
34:32 - Conclusion and Final Remarks
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
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Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
Excited to share the latest episode featuring Line Holst Graves, CEO of Longest Straw, where she shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to founding her own consultancy, which focuses on guiding biotech and planetary health founders through commercial expansion to secure high-value customers and strategic partnerships.
Line discusses the common challenges scientific entrepreneurs face when commercializing their innovations, offering actionable advice for accelerating market validation.
Key discussion points include the importance of building a strong commercial foundation, adopting a structured approach to client engagement, and leveraging external expertise to fuel business growth.
Timestamps:
00:47 Line's Background and Career Journey
01:45 Starting the Longest Straw
05:10 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship
10:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
18:44 Common Gaps in Scientific Startups
20:24 Bridging the Commercial Experience Gap
20:56 Balancing Multiple Roles as a Founder
22:17 The Importance of Market Validation
24:34 Structured Approach to Client Engagement
25:45 The Value of Commercial Leadership
28:16 Practical Tips for Accelerating Market Validation
36:30 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Opportunities
39:55 Final Advice for Founders
Resource Mentioned:
Line's email: line@longestdraw.com
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼
(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)
Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In the latest episode of Life Science Talent Talks, our host sits down with Jan Dideriksen, CEO and Founder of Nordic Virtual Pastures, to explore the company's fascinating journey.
Jan shares how his team has navigated pivotal shifts in strategy and embraced an innovative approach by utilizing fractional hires to extend runway and optimize progress.
A key focus of the discussion is Nordic Virtual Pastures' unique use of sustainably sourced cell media products from bio-waste streams to support cellular agriculture, cultivated meat, and mammalian cell growth.
Jan shares insights on the importance of customer feedback, the company's strategic pivots and the role of fractional hires such as CCO Line Holst Graves in achieving milestones more efficiently.
The conversation provides practical tips for startups on navigating pivots, engaging with investors, and leveraging fractional talent to achieve business goals.
For startup leaders, investors, and innovators, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on managing pivots, engaging with investors, and building lean yet highly effective teams.
Timestamps:
01:05 Overview of Nordic Virtual Pastures
01:12 Product Details and Technology
03:11 Market and Competitive Advantage
05:44 Journey to Entrepreneurship
07:25 First Pivot: From Cell Growth to Cultivated Meat
10:15 Second Pivot: Focusing on Media Components
13:20 Current Strategy and Market Fit
16:32 Feedback and Adaptation
20:43 Innovative Strategies for Product Market Fit
21:03 The Role of a Chief Commercial Officer
22:45 Importance of Customer Feedback
25:26 Fractional Hiring: A Strategic Approach
25:50 Building and Evolving the Team
32:58 Challenges and Benefits of Fractional Hiring
38:44 Future Plans and How to Support
39:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Connect
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
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Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this insightful discussion, Cecilie Willer, whos executive coach specializing and founder mental health expert, shares her journey and professional expertise. The conversation dives into the psychological challenges faced by startup founders, including emotional regulation, identity fusion with their work, and active recovery.
Cecilie provides practical tools and techniques for founders to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of mental health in building successful and sustainable companies. She also discusses her upcoming book, "Built Without Burnout" which offers concrete tools and insights for founders and investors to support mental health in the startup world.
Timestamps:
02:06 Cecilia's Journey to Focusing on Founders' Mental Health
05:54 The Importance of Mental Health for Founders
07:25 Writing 'Built Without Burnout'
08:43 Challenges and Solutions for Founders' Mental Health
14:49 Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation
25:00 Balancing Life and Startup Demands
29:11 Balancing Personal Life and Startup Growth
29:48 The Importance of Recovery for Founders
30:38 The Science Behind Burnout and Recovery
31:18 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week
32:22 Practicing Presence and Mindfulness
36:49 Dealing with Feelings of Inadequacy
44:48 Practical Tools for Self-Compassion
49:02 Conclusion and Resources
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼
(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)
Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
Resource Mentioned In the episode:
In this episode, Jacob Heckscher Sorensen, Director of Scientific Sales and Imaging Innovation at Gubra. Gubra, a biotech firm, specializes in clinical contract research organization services and proprietary drug discovery programs. Jacob delves into his career trajectory, from his educational background in developmental biology at Roskilde University and the University of Edinburgh to his groundbreaking work at Novo Nordisk and the Broad Institute. He shares insights on the development and application of quantitative 3D imaging and spatial biology in preclinical drug development. Jacob discusses the challenges and innovations in imaging, including the use of AI, automating microscopy processes, and the importance of building a virtual brain map for studying diseases like obesity, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The conversation highlights the evolving technology's potential impact on future pharmaceutical and biotech research, emphasizing the synergy between scientific passion and business development in advancing the field.
Timestamps:
00:51 Jacob's Academic Journey and Early Career
02:27 Transition to Novo Nordisk and Imaging Innovations
04:10 Current Role at Gubra and Imaging Applications
06:34 Innovative Applications in Quantitative 3D Imaging
08:48 Challenges and Future Directions in Imaging
12:00 The Role of Imaging in Preclinical Drug Development
12:30 Transition from Science to Sales
13:42 Daily Activities and Collaborations
16:37 Future of Neuroscience and Imaging
18:40 Challenges in the Life Science Industry
26:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Scientists
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼
(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)
Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
Resource Mentioned In the episode:
Novo Nordisk Foundation
Bioinnovation Institute (BII) Venture Lab & Venture House
University of Copenhagen
https://www.triptobio.com
In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, we sit down with Line Kloster Pedersen, CEO and founder of Visibuilt. Line shares the inspiring story behind Visibuilt’s founding — from the spark of an idea during a run to securing funding and building a lab. She also dives into the challenges of scaling from 0 to 10 employees and how her team is working toward transforming the global asphalt industry.
Looking ahead, Visibuilt is targeting a soft launch in 2026, with a fully commercial product by 2028. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, including funding strategies, the importance of timing, and the realities of scaling a life sciences startup.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, including how to navigate funding challenges, the importance of timing in startups, and the realities of scaling a life sciences company. Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Line's story offers inspiration and practical takeaways.
Timestamps:
00:05:09 - The Dirty Process of Asphalt Production
00:05:20 - Visibit's Innovative Solution
00:05:57 - Early Prototypes and Laboratory Phase
00:08:09 - Securing Early Funding and Building a Lab
00:10:26 - First Funding Successes
00:11:24 - Growth and Hiring the First Employees
00:12:35 - Building the Team and Securing Patents
00:16:07 - Future Goals and Commercialization Timeline
00:20:59 - Transitioning from Solo Founder to Team Leader
00:24:04 - Balancing Collective Perspective and Speed
00:25:08 - Deciding on Personal vs. Delegated Tasks
00:26:10 - One-on-One Meetings and Their Benefits
00:28:09 - Avoiding Problems Through Regular Check-ins
00:29:48 - Organizational Leadership Challenges
00:34:08 - Team Building Activities
00:36:25 - Hiring Strategies and Learnings
00:38:10 - Balancing Hires and Consultants
00:41:35 - Facility and Location Importance
00:43:11 - Most Rewarding Aspects of the Journey
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼
(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)
Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts:
Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
In this special edition of Life Science Talent Talks, Søren brings listeners an exclusive preview of TechBBQ 2024, with a focus on the Life Science Without Borders stage. They spotlight four innovative startups set to pitch groundbreaking ideas in planetary and human health. Joining them is Jan Thordsen, the organizer of the TechBBQ life science track, who shares insights into the event's growth, the importance of life science in the tech world, and what attendees can expect.
TechBBQ 2024 promises to be an exciting and transformative event for the life science and technology sectors, with a special focus on innovation, startups, and the intersection of healthcare and technology. This year, the event will showcase cutting-edge advancements in life science, providing a platform for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.
The event will feature a diverse range of speakers, including thought leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend workshops, and participate in networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and inspire new ideas.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to launch your startup, an investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a professional interested in the latest trends in life science innovation, TechBBQ 2024 is an event you won't want to miss.
Timestamps:
02:56 What is TechBBQ Life Science Track?: Jan gives an overview of TechBBQ
04:54 Target Audience for the Life Science Track: The types of startups that can benefit from the life science track at TechBBQ
07:04 The top reasons why startups should participate in TechBBQ
08:45 Integration of AI and machine learning in life science, highlighting the relevance of these areas in the current TechBBQ context.
09:12 The theme for TechBBQ 2024, “One Giant Leap,” and the improvements made from last year, including a more structured approach to the life science track.
11:00 Discussion about the life science stage, the increase in speakers from last year, and the focus on delivering valuable content from the stage
12:17 Various ways attendees can engage at TechBBQ,
13:00 A new feature for this year, the Nordic Life Science Investor Dinner, designed to foster connections between startups and investors.
14:31 Success stories from startups that participated in previous TechBBQ events
Resource Mentioned:
Media Overview for TechBBQ 2023.
Media Overview for TechBBQ 2022
Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡
We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.
Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼
(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)
Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem
We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn community page.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
