On the Power of Collaboration

Alumna from 2025, Berlin region

“I have always been fascinated by science, and I learned so much during my years at the bench. But after completing my PhD, I felt a strong desire to move beyond the lab and towards application. What I had always underestimated though was how much it truly takes to translate science into something usable. Great research alone is not enough to ensure that innovation reaches the point where it creates meaningful impact. 

Through GeneNovate, I was in the privileged position to learn what is needed to bridge this gap. The program gave me a clear overview of how a scientific idea is taken out of the lab, distilled to its core, translated into strategies and business models, and communicated to diverse stakeholders, while step by step navigating complex regulatory, financial, and organizational landscapes to become market-ready. 

Just as importantly, I learned how essential strong and genuine connections are on this (and any!) journey. Working with motivated, talented peers during the workshops showed me the power of collaboration and the importance of creating the right symbiosis of knowledge, tools, support, and fun. Looking back, GeneNovate encouraged me to think beyond the lab and develop a more strategic, business-oriented mindset. It connected me with inspiring people whose insights shaped my career decisions and guided me toward exciting opportunities after my PhD. 

On a personal level, it also taught me what to look for in partners and collaborators when bringing ideas to life. So even though I didn’t found a startup myself, this experience truly shape my path”