Submitted by D.P. Juan on Fri, 30/05/2025 - 13:56
Throughout May, the Department partnered with Biochemistry to host our annual entrepreneurship event.
The goal of the Next Bio and Next Pharma Phenomenon competition is to increase awareness of entrepreneurship and help people explore the commercial potential of their research. The Department also often get support from Cambridge Enterprise to run this event and support spin-out attempts.
The event consisted of two parts:
First event: Next Bio/Pharma Phenomenon introduction
This session included a presentation on what is needed to form a spin-out, the spin-out experience, and how to assemble a pitch deck.
A spreadsheet of existing spin-outs related to the research areas of all the departments' groups was provided.
Afterwards, we hosted a drinks session to discuss and help form teams.
The goal is to make it very simple to put together a pitch for a potential company with 4 or 5 hours of work.
Second event: Next Bio/Pharma Phenomenon pitching event
Each team gave a 10-minute presentation in this session, followed by a question-and-answer session with the panel and the audience.
All audience members received Biobucks to invest in their favourite teams.
Following the presentations, awards were given for the most popular pitch, judges' choice, and most insightful questions.
The event was relaxed and encouraging. Unlike Dragons' Den, it was a chance to explore ideas and gain skills in a friendly environment.
Here are some photos from the event:
