Next Bio/Pharma Phenomenon

Curious about entrepreneurship and research?

The Department of Pharmacology is eager to support and encourage entrepreneurship in our membership, alongside the Department of Biochemistry!

One way we encourage entrepreneurship is via our annual Next Bio/Pharma Phenomenon competition!

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. We also often get support from Cambridge Enterprise.

The event will be relaxed and encouraging, focusing on exploring ideas and gaining skills.

All Department members are encouraged to attend and contribute.

We have prepared a spreadsheet of companies and their research interest and unique technologies: Company Precedent list

Here is a list of slides to be used in the introduction session.

First event: Next Bio/Pharma Phenomenon introduction

Tuesday 6 May 2025. 14:00 - 15:30, Biochemistry Sanger seminar room.

This session will have a presentation introducing what is needed to form a spin-out, 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 will be provided.

Afterwards, there will be 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

Tuesday 20 May 2025, 14:00 - 15:30, Biochemistry Sanger seminar room.

Each team will give a 10-minute pitch in this session, followed by fielding questions from the panel and the audience.

All audience members will get Biobucks to invest in their favourite teams.

Following the presentations, awards will be given for the most popular pitch, judges' choice, and most insightful questions.

The event will be relaxed and encouraging. Unlike Dragons' Den, it is a chance to explore ideas and gain skills in a friendly environment.

We expect that most teams will form after the first event. Nonetheless, if you want to get involved but haven't found a team to join, please contact Mark Howarth or Marko Hyvonen, who will connect you with other teams.