From Innovation to Impact: A Journey from Science to Entrepreneurship

 Hannah Teichmann | CEO & Senior Consultant MedRA Srl - A Boutique Life Sciences Consultancy, Pisa, Italy.
From Innovation to Impact:   A Journey from Science to Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Scientific research is often driven by curiosity and the pursuit of fundamental understanding. Transforming scientific understanding into real-world impact requires an understanding of clinical needs, as well as a specific set of skills and perspectives. In this colloquium, I will share my personal journey from academic research to founding and building a company in the medical device field. Using a number of case studies, I will discuss how ideas developed in the laboratory can evolve into technologies that improve patients’ lives, highlighting the challenges, trade-offs, and unexpected opportunities encountered along the way. The talk is aimed at a broad audience and will touch on themes relevant across disciplines, including innovation, risk-taking, collaboration between academia and industry, and the role of scientific thinking outside the university setting. I hope this perspective will be particularly useful for students and researchers who are considering career paths that bridge science, technology, and entrepreneurship.