Recruitment – Building Your Team as the Foundation of Success

JLABS and Randstad will address questions such as: How do you position yourself as an attractive employer? How can you be competitive when talent is scarce? And how can you retain talent you’ve hired?

To help bring your innovation to patients and hopefully make a difference in their lives, you’ll need to build and retain a stellar team. It can be an essential ingredient in the mix together with your patented disruptive invention and the funding you acquired. While you can hire consultants and outsource many tasks, most life sciences companies are looking to expand beyond their founding team and recruit their own employees at some point in the company’s development.

But how do you position yourself as an attractive employer? How can you be competitive when talent is scarce? And how can you retain talent you’ve hired?

During this webinar we will be joined by a keynote speaker from Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS Resource Hub member Randstad, experts in recruitment and employment. They will share the latest insights from the current labor market. For instance, they’ll touch upon how the pandemic and “the great resignation” have influenced recruitment. They’ll also discuss current expectations of employees in their professional development.

After the keynote presentation we will be joined by different stakeholders, including experienced life sciences entrepreneurs, who will share their insights and experiences. They will discuss considerations in building a team that fits a company’s development strategy and company culture in different phases of growth.

With this webinar we aim to give life sciences entrepreneurs valuable insights into developing their own recruitment strategy.

More information and sign up.

4 Reasons to sit down early with a patent attorney

BLOG by EP&C Patent Attorneys

Patent protection is already crucial in this early phase, so we help the young entrepreneurs with that. I’ve been guiding them with patent applications, Freedom To Operate studies and more in recent years. And so we will continue to do that in the coming years. Many entrepreneurs, both starting out and experienced, only realize too late how important it is to sit down with a patent attorney at an early stage. And there are several good reasons for doing so.

REASON 1: WE CAN IDENTIFY THE PATENT RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES AT AN EARLY STAGE
Many entrepreneurs are so busy developing their product, starting a business and finding investors that their competitors’ patent rights are a blind spot. You may know who your competitors are, but do you know if they have relevant patent rights? This is a question that investors frequently ask. So you need to investigate that. Whether you do this yourself, or have it done; it must be done. Otherwise you run the risk of developing a product that infringes on someone else’s intellectual property. Which brings me to the next point.

REASON 2: WE CAN STILL EASILY ADJUST THE DESIGN
The earlier you know about third-party patent rights, the easier it often is to make minor adjustments to a design. These adjustments may make it possible to design around the existing patents and still be able to enter the market without infringing them. This can of course also be done at a later stage, but is then often much more expensive. The conversion of an entire production line costs more than adapting a concept.

REASON 3: WE CAN DISCUSS R&D RESULTS AT AN EARLY STAGE
Innovative entrepreneurs often overlook two things in the development process. First, they often do not realize that they are making simple but valuable inventions. In addition, they sometimes disclose new products before they are patented. In that case, that invention no longer meets the novelty requirement and they can no longer patent it. By discussing the R&D results with a patent attorney at an early stage, you can avoid these pitfalls.

By looking at this together, we will discover the inventions that seem obvious to you, and you will not disclose anything that should not already be disclosed. At the bottom line, this makes your patent portfolio a lot stronger. This increases the value of your company and your position in the market.

REASON 4: WE INCREASE THE CHANCE OF INVESTMENT
At Startlife, where finding investors is an important goal, we often hear that entrepreneurs come across better to investors after we have talked about intellectual property. Because of their improved understanding of the opportunities and threats related to their intellectual property, they exude professionalism and a grasp of the situation. Someone is more likely to invest in an organization that knows what it has already done, or wants to do, in the area of patents.

SMALL INVESTMENT
The earlier you start talking to a patent attorney, the more grip you have on the initial steps of your venture. Many people only take this step once their techniques have been further developed. This seems logical, but can end up costing much more time and certainly money. Even a brief conversation with a patent attorney can provide you with so much relevant information for your company that it is well worth the small investment.

Transforming ideas into successful businesses

Britta Driessen went from an intern at Novio Tech Campus (NTC) to the position of business coach at the Radboud University (RU) in Nijmegen. As a business coach and programme manager at RU’s entrepreneurship programme Mercator Launch, Britta focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship. For example, she helps innovative start-ups to turn ideas into viable products, expand their network, finance their business, and acquire all skills needed to create a successful business. She does so in collaboration with regional partners of Briskr.

During her masters in Medical Biology, Britta discovered her passion for innovation. “I was doing research in a lab at UMC Utrecht. I ended up in an interdisciplinary department, with biologists, chemists and mathematicians working together daily to develop new applications to improve quality of life. That is when I discovered what innovation really looks like at a knowledge institution, and what it truly means: creating practical solutions to societal challenges, such as a 3D printing tissue to repair cartilage defects. This piqued my interest.”

In 2016, Britta, who specialised in Management & Innovation, performed an internship at NTC. She talked to many companies about their intended success and the contribution of a campus like NTC to this success. “These organisations contribute to entrepreneurs’ chances of success because they help with practical matters such as facilitating space and connecting you with like-minded people. Ultimately, I ended up doing just that at Radboud University: helping entrepreneurs find their way and create impact. By supporting and stimulating entrepreneurship, we aim to create societal impact with the knowledge generated at our university.”

Building a business concept

There is an incredible amount of talent to be found at the Radboud campus, says Britta: “Many researchers, students and alumni have great, innovative ideas that they would like to act on. We support them in building on their business concept, both substantively and practically. We train and coach entrepreneurs and organise workshops and masterclasses to improve their entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, we offer workspaces, grant access to a large network and help start-ups towards funding.”

“Simply put, we provide all the tools and methods to benefit entrepreneurs for a lifetime. Even if they eventually choose not to pursue this path, entrepreneurial competencies such as flexibility, market knowledge and presentation skills are always of added value. In that sense, we offer a skills training programme to create impact.”

Cooperation within the region: Briskr and the Radboud University

Supporting entrepreneurs in the early phases of their innovative business is not a solo project. “Of course, we don’t have all the expertise in-house. That is why we collaborate with other organisations in the area and make use of all the knowledge they have to offer”, Britta explains. “Within Briskr, we share and discuss the Health and High Tech start-ups we support. Partners can improve and accelerate the support, by sharing the start-ups and challenges they face, and by providing their knowledge, expertise and network”.

As an example, Britta paints a picture of an entrepreneur who had largely established his business concept. “To be honest, we couldn’t provide him with the support that he needed. So, we reached out to Briskr, and the participant found his place in another programme of one of Briskr partner meetings, more specifically, the Market Readiness Program of OostNL. Now, he receives the most optimal support for his start-up phase.” But that is not the only way Briskr and the Radboud University complement each other. “For example, we offer masterclasses together on topics that are important and relevant to our start-ups. We are stronger when we join forces. And this way, we get to learn from each other, too.”

Helping starting entrepreneurs get the best out of themselves and their idea is what makes Britta happy. “If we support entrepreneurial spirits to reach their full potential, great things will happen.”

Predica Diagnostics enables early cancer detection with mRNA molecules

Starting in 2019, CEO Marco de Boer has been busy establishing Predica Diagnostics. The company is convinced that it’s possible to detect cancer in an early stage, by using a new kind of technology: ciRNAseq, targeted sequencing of mRNA molecules that denote the presence of cancer in tissues. “It’s time to take the next step and validate our technology.”

Marco has a background in the field of molecular biology and expanded his business acumen with an MBA from the Nyenrode University. “Since my graduation, I’ve worked for all kinds of companies. But I’ve always wanted to start my own company, in my ambition to contribute to improving health. Fortunately, I met William Leenders, the intellectual father of our technology. He was looking for someone who could expand on his technology, and had sufficient experience in business.”

More than basic research

William developed his technique of detecting mRNA molecules at Radboud University. “But if you want to start using a technique to actually help patients, it has to go through a whole process. A university is mainly concerned with basic research, and we’re now in the process of converting that research into something tangible, to help people. Obviously this process comes at a considerable price.”

With the help of financial support from the province of Gelderland (RedMedTech Discovery Fund), Leenders and De Boer were able to start Predica Diagnostics. Marco explains that the next step requires additional investors. “Our 2022 goal is to validate our technology on the basis of an investment in our company.” However, looking for investors is an art in and of itself — but fortunately, Marco doesn’t have to go through the process alone. “I’m from Noord-Holland and didn’t have a network in Gelderland. So that’s where Briskr came in.”

“Briskr introduced us to the Business Angel Network meeting, for example. Here, we were able to pitch our proposition to Angels from the Nijmegen area. This was a valuable experience, as we have increased our network and we are in discussion with potential investors.”

2022 is the year of growth

Through Briskr, Marco also came into contact with OostNL. “OostNL supported us through a “Groeiversneller – Economic Board Voucher”, which allowed us to explore our technology during the Health Innovation Round Table. We’re still in a developmental phase, but we need to know how potential users perceive our product. The Round Table allowed us to present our ideas to gynaecologists and other experts in the field.”

Marco’s plans for Predica Diagnostics are clear: “With the help of an investor, we can speed up and complete technical validation. Then, when that’s successful, it’s time for clinical validation.” Clinical validation is a long process because it involves working with patients who followed over extended periods. “If all goes well, we’ll have a certified test on the market in three years. But to get to that point, we still have a long way to go. That’s why we’re always looking for new investors or partners.”

From research to product launch: Ardim creates accessible ultrasound

As a postdoc at Radboudumc, Thomas van den Heuvel performs research within the field of medical image analysis. He specialised in the use of hand-held ultrasound scans with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recently, he has made the leap from science to actually bringing his solution to the market. And that comes with quite a few challenges.

Thomas has a vision to lighten the load on healthcare. By making medical imaging accessible, he wants to help GPs and paediatricians, primary care givers, to enable imaging-based diagnosis at the point-of-care. “The workload in hospitals is simply too great. We can’t continue as we are currently doing. To avoid unnecessary hospital visits, we have to be able to provide the right care at the right place. Thanks to software that automatically detects risks, a primary care giver needs little extra training to be able to use the ultrasound.”

From developing countries to primary care in the Netherlands: many applications

Ultrasound devices that can be connected to a smartphone have become available in the past six years. Thomas has been researching the use of AI to interpret ultrasound images for years. The software application that he is developing, will help doctors to perform an ultrasound examination with a minimal amount of training.

For example, during his PhD research, he helped midwives in developing countries with no experience in ultrasounds, to perform prenatal ultrasound screening. With just two hours of training and the help of AI, a midwife is able to acquire ultrasound images, which are interpreted by the algorithm to detect pregnancy risk factors.

A year ago, Thomas also started looking into other applications for his technique. Currently, he is working on bringing his first solution to market. “An integrated AI solution on your smartphone for medical image analysis offers a lot of opportunities. We have chosen two propositions to focus on, for now. Putting the research into practice, is what I like best,” says Thomas. On 1 October, 2021 he founded his company Ardim.

From investments to intellectual property

Entrepreneurship entails much more than just a good idea, so Thomas went to Briskr for workshops and networking. “Bringing this product to market goes far beyond research and making it technically sound. You have to deal with investments, certification, drawing up a clear business plan, gathering a team, you name it. Then it’s nice to have something like Briskr to guide you.” Among other things, Thomas attended workshops on intellectual property and valuation. “Patenting software, like AI algorithms, is not that straight forward, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a patent strategy. And determining how to really know what your start-up is worth and how to create value to bring in investments, is essential.”.

Briskr is the community to be for MedTech start-ups

Thomas started his research at the Department of Medical Imaging of the Radboudumc in Nijmegen, from which a couple of spinoffs with AI proposition emerged before. “Having predecessors helps a lot.” He also benefits greatly from Briskr’s community. “Briskr is broader oriented, it’s all about MedTech across the region. Running into likeminded people is so important, you get to pick their brains. I also benefit from the courses and workshops that cover a great variety of topics that you need to know about when you are starting up your business. It is a very nice community that is very valuable for a start-up company. If you are a MedTech start-up in Nijmegen and you have not heard of Briskr, you are doing something wrong”, he laughs.

BioBusiness Summerschool

Jumpstart your Business Career in Life Sciences!
BioBusiness Summer School is a five-day course for academics who are contemplating a career switch to industry and young professionals in their first industry jobs.

This course takes place in Amsterdam and will help you jumpstart your career in the Life Sciences industry. During the five day programme you will learn basic knowledge of main business topics, such as product development, intellectual property rights, business models and finance. You will also gain insight in the world of Life Sciences companies, hear from leading business people and exchange with like-minded international participants. Networking is a key component of the BioBusiness Summer School, allowing you to meet with leaders and experts from the industry as well as build a strong network of talented peers. The sense of belonging to a group of high-performers goes beyond the classroom and many participants have bonded with peers for years to come.

More information.

Innovative technology for improved eating behavior

Imagine that elderly people received tailor-made care and nutritional advice with the help of innovative technology?

Behavior scientists and data scientists from OnePlanet Research Center, nutritionists and SMEs are working together in the “INtoEAT” project to achieve just that! This integrated approach makes it possible to solve complex issues with a real eye for the needs of the end-users. Because the application is not just successful if the tech works.

Can it actually be used for the targeted audience? Is the advice understandable? Do people trust it? The applications must be user-friendly and it is important that healthcare providers can view relevant data for patients, taking into account the privacy and wishes of the user. What if we integrate technology and nutrition coaching into every-day products in elderly care facilities?

Together with Sander Hermsen (behavioral Scientist), Femke de Gooijer (project INtoEAT and smart tray) and Edgar Schwandt (INtoEAT: lifestyle app), we zoom further into the topics of eating, technology and behavior.

Sander explains some of the issues regarding the adaptation of technology and lifestyle changes. Femke introduces the INtoEAT smart tray! Edgar Schwandt gives us some more insights into how a targeted lifestyle app can help elderly in their preventive health issues and simultaneously shares his insights into how the collaboration is helping Salut to include tech solutions in their lifestyle supporting apps.

OnePlanet Research Center is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Radboud University, Radboudumc and nano-technology world-player imec.Three years into the collaboration, Director of Health, nutrition and behavior Thea van Kemenade, visits SMB to update us on their progress in the development of innovative tech for preventive health and their collaborations with SMEs in the region.

Program
16:00 Short introduction by SMB
Thea van Kemenade (OnePlanet) on progress in the development of innovative tech for preventive health and their collaborations with
SMEs in the region
Sander Hermsen (OnePlanet) on motivational feedback for behavioral change
Femke de Gooijer (WUR) on INtoEAT: Smart tray
Edgar Schwandt (Salut) on INtoEAT: Salut Senior
17:00 Wrapping up

For those interested, we will conclude the event with the opportunity for online networking where you will be placed randomly in a Zoom room.

Online event
This event will be streamed online. A login link will be provided by email a few days before the event. The sender will be smb@radboudumc.nl, you might have to check your spam.

Good to know
Presentations are in English & the entrance is free (registration upfront is needed though). We welcome new guests, so please feel free to pass on this invitation to relevant people in your network!

We look forward to e-meet you!

Look back at the SMB meeting: the role of keeping our healthcare system healthy

This SMB meeting was about the role of keeping our healthcare system healthy, in all aspects.

Remco Hoogendijk of the Sint Maartenskliniek started the first presentation and talked about their MaaS project and the online environment that has been created for patients to follow and plan their own care and treatments. Remco expects that care will become increasingly virtual, including appointments.

Angelique Moonen of VIGO Group focused on the ‘Wicked problems in healthcare’; Long waiting lists, long waits for surgery and the shortage of professionals. At the same time, patients only expect more from professionals. In order to actually implement digital innovations, things need to change! Vigo Group is happy to start a change and has created a new Platform Ecosystem, where people work on their mental health and mental resilience themselves and can get a better match with the professionals.

E-Health specialist Ruben de Neef from Luscii talked about unlocking the power of patients. With Florence Nightingale as an inspiration to approach the condition of a patient from a different point of view. Luscii can be a virtual member in your care team, an extra team member. Luscii notices things in the home of the patient and sees different things than the doctor in the hospital sees. There is already a large library in this tool with 40 pathways to follow, developed by doctors and nurses for the patient. And the possibilities are endless for further digital development in the future.

Gert-Jan de Brok, co-founder of InMotion VR is very fond of games and technology. So their motto is: Let’s play to heal. They use Corpus VR for the rehabilitation of a patient. As many people already use wearables with sensors, they can reach a large audience and it’s very cost & time efficient. Gamification is fun, which is why it works better than traditional methods of physiotherapy.

Finally, we were updated on the Digital Health Hub by Tom van de Belt and Floor van de Watering. Tom started the presentation with a digital health ecosystem analysis of our region. Floor van de Watering adds: Healthcare professionals encounter problems that they do not communicate efficiently to innovative organisations. And on the other hand companies develop innovations that the healthcare sector does not need or see as a problem. And for some problems the solution might already be available in a completely different market (e.g. planning tools for distribution).

The digital health Hub will fill this gap and bring the right parties together, so that relevant innovations can be made and the pressure on healthcare can be relieved with the help of digital innovations. It will be a great, but rewarding challenge for the future to work on this together!

We thank all the speakers for their interesting contributions to this SMB meeting about digital health!

SMB-Meetings

Every couple months we invite all start-ups and SMEs from our Health and High Tech ecosystem to get together and discuss relevant topics in their field, present each other’s progress and challenges and of course, create new connections.

The SMB-meetings always prove to be inspiring and fruitful events, and they provide a perfect networking opportunity for all our affiliated companies.

Make sure to check out our upcoming events to see when the next SMB-meetings are planned!

Mercator Launch

Do you have a mind full of innovative ideas, but no clue where to begin? Are you looking for help to put your business idea into practice?

Mercator Launch is the entrepreneurship programme for all students, researchers and alumni at the Radboud Campus who are thinking about starting their own business or recently started one. The programme is part of the Radboud University and offers business coaching, masterclasses, coworking (lab) spaces and meetingrooms as well as help towards funding for startups.

Mercator Launch has already supported hundreds of promising entrepreneurs and registered dozens of new companies. Wondering what it could do for you and your (potential) business? Have a look at their services and get in touch!