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.

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

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.

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 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:

• Changetoday.io

• Founder Tools
  

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

In this special edition of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar features Line Petersen, the founder of Bellyfood, a pioneering startup that creates real food blends for individuals with feeding tubes. Line shares the inspiring story behind Bellyfood, which began when her son Otto, who required a feeding tube, started experiencing severe issues with traditional tube feeding formulas. Motivated by a desire to improve her son's health, Line embarked on a journey of extensive research and kitchen experimentation, eventually developing nutritious, real-food alternatives that transformed Otto's well-being.

Line discusses Bellyfood’s evolution from a personal project to a growing startup, detailing the challenges of product development, gaining regulatory approval, and scaling the business. Now a key player in the Danish market, Bellyfood is looking to expand into other European markets. The episode also highlights Bellyfood’s participation in TechBBQ 2024, where they aim to network with industry professionals and raise awareness about the importance of real food in tube feeding. Listeners are encouraged to follow Bellyfood on social media to support their mission and stay updated on their progress.

Timestamps:

01:15 Line shares her background and the story behind Bellyfood

02:38 Success story: How Otto's condition improved dramatically with Bellyfood's real food blends.

04:00 Product Development and Challenges

05:00 Scaling and Market Expansion

06:00 Comparison with major competitors like Nestlé and Danone.

08:00 Participation in Tech Barbecue 2024

08:24 How Listeners Can Support Bellyfood

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