The Next Leap

Thierry Heles
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Ever wondered how a discovery in a university lab becomes a game-changing product that impacts millions of lives? Join Thierry Heles as he explores the fascinating world of research commercialisation, where science meets innovation. Through in-depth conversations with experts – including tech transfer practitioners, venture fund managers, startup founders, and lawyers – you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and best practices that turn groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. From the anticoagulant warfarin to the sports drink Gatorade, and even the Covid vaccine, you’ll hear the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most influential innovations, uncovering the secrets of turning research into life-changing products and services.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Peter Devine: We never imagined Uniseed would be around this long

    At the end of last year, Uniseed CEO Peter Devine stepped down after two decades at the helm of a venture fund that has not only survived and thrived for a quarter of a century, but which has completely reshaped the Australian innovation ecosystem. It was a good excuse to sit down with Peter and reflect on how far the world of research commercialisation has come, what lessons have been learned, and what more remains to be done. We discuss how Uniseed convinced pension funds to invest decades ago (if you’re a policymaker in the UK: there’s actionable advice here), why governments getting involved in venture capital is a double-edged sword (Breakthrough Victoria will be an interesting case study when the dust has settled), and how former members of staff at Uniseed have gone on to help build a country where most universities have their own spinout investment fund. Candidly, Peter also shares tactical errors he made as CEO, and he explains how he turned a blockbuster exit that went from celebration to shock into an investment opportunity. And, of course, we find out what’s next for Peter. Spoiler: it’s not retirement. Read the transcript.

    41 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Brechtje Vreenegoor, Sebastiaan Berendse: In agriculture, spinouts need to reform the whole system

    Wageningen University & Research is a truly unique organisation combining a higher education institution with an applied research institute. This dual nature makes commercialising research an interesting challenge, particularly with Wageningen’s focus on agtech and food tech, where, for decades, each component in the supply chain has been optimised for cost. So, how do you give spinouts a fighting chance? We also look at the Netherlands’ recent update to its national deal term principles, which Brechtje Vreenegoor was involved in creating, and we analyse how these principles strike a balance between the university’s interests and those of founders and investors. Then, we consider how Wageningen University & Research operates a unique pre-incubation programme designed to support researchers and students developing agricultural and food technology startups. This model focuses on validating ideas through a multi-stage process, including feasibility studies and proof-of-concept funding, rather than immediately seeking venture capital. And finally, Sebastiaan Berendse looks at Wageningen’s approach to venture capital funds, why its LP commitments are not just about capital but also drawing investors to campus, and why Graduate Ventures – which currently covers Delft and Rotterdam – is an enticing proposition for Wageningen’s ecosystem, which desperately needs more pre-seed cash. Read the transcript.

    48 min
See All Season 2 (2)

About

Ever wondered how a discovery in a university lab becomes a game-changing product that impacts millions of lives? Join Thierry Heles as he explores the fascinating world of research commercialisation, where science meets innovation. Through in-depth conversations with experts – including tech transfer practitioners, venture fund managers, startup founders, and lawyers – you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and best practices that turn groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. From the anticoagulant warfarin to the sports drink Gatorade, and even the Covid vaccine, you’ll hear the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most influential innovations, uncovering the secrets of turning research into life-changing products and services.

Information

  • Creator
    Thierry Heles
  • Episodes
    11
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Next Leap
  • Show Website
    The Next Leap