The Great Escape

In this episode, we’re joined by Björn, CEO & Co-Founder of the precision immunology biotech, Iuvantium, to unpack his journey from PhD to leading a company tackling some of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges.From building Lego as a kid to engineering next-generation immune therapies, Björn shares how he navigated the transition from academia to industry, and why the real world often values speed, decision-making, and adaptability over perfection.We explore the key differences between academia and industry, what it actually means to be a CEO in biotech, and the lessons he’s learned building a company from the ground up: from strategy and hiring to fundraising and navigating uncertainty.If you’re a student or researcher thinking about careers beyond academia, but still want to make a real-world impact through science, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sim: a biomedical science graduate who has founded two startups, scaled a diagnostic company from employee #8 to Head of Product, and worked across AI drug discovery and digital health.Sim shares what startup life is really like - from operating in constant ambiguity and moving fast, to burnout, bootstrapping, and watching your savings dwindle while building your own company.We explore the difference between founding vs joining a startup, what product management actually is, and how students can position themselves for roles in early-stage companies. From networking advice to where startups actually hire, this episode is packed with honest insight for anyone curious about careers beyond academia.If you're considering a startup path after your degree, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Georgia Fleet, Co-Founder of Zonova and Young Entrepreneur of the Year at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards: whose path began with dreams of the West End before unexpectedly leading to biotech innovation.Georgia shares the moment during her PhD that sparked Zonova’s mission to tackle life-threatening hospital infections, and what it’s really like to build a startup from scratch. She also reflects on the early-career uncertainty she felt, how she found her direction, and why your first plan doesn’t need to define your path.If you’re a bioscience student or researcher exploring careers beyond academia, this episode delivers clarity, inspiration, and real insight into where a scientific background can take you.

In this episode, we sit down with Sara Holland, a patent attorney and biotechnology expert with deep experience guiding scientists, startups, and corporates through the complex world of Intellectual Property (IP).Sara has spent her career helping innovators protect and translate their ideas, from early-stage academic discoveries to market-ready biotech products. With a background bridging science, law, and business, she offers a unique perspective on how researchers can think about IP not as a barrier, but as a tool for enabling collaboration, funding, and long-term impact.In our conversation, Sara shares insights into how patents are assessed, the common pitfalls researchers face, and how to make informed choices about when to protect, license, or let go of IP. We also explore the cultural gap between scientists and commercial teams, and how bridging that divide can unlock real opportunities.Whether you’re considering launching a startup, licensing your technology, or just curious about how ideas move beyond the lab - this episode is for you.

In this episode, we speak with Pierbruno Ricci: a molecular biologist turned strategy consultant, author, and biotech leader.During his PhD, Pierbruno realised the lab bench wasn’t where he wanted to stay. Curious about how the world worked beyond the microscope, he set his sights on life science consulting , and after a two-year transition, landed a role that opened doors to biotech, pharma, hospitals, governments, and beyond.Now a published author of From Science to Consulting, Pierbruno shares his account of navigating the shift from academia, what consulting in life sciences actually looks like, and why a scientific mindset can be a strategic advantage far beyond research.If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot from PhD to strategy or are curious about the life of a consultant — this episode is for you.

Join us for a conversation with Tobias Wingbermühle: a multi-time founder with a background in sport science and international business.Tobi is the founder of the Science Entrepreneur Club (SEC), Green Digital Consulting, and co-founder of Clustermarket. In this episode, we dive into his journey from student to startup founder, what it really takes to bootstrap and scale an idea, the traits that define great entrepreneurs, and the surprising power of strategic networking.If you're curious about entrepreneurship in the life sciences space and how to build something from scratch: this one's for you.

Welcome to The Great Escape: the podcast for life science students and grads exploring careers beyond academia.In this short trailer episode, your hosts Georgia and Gio share why they created this podcast, what you can expect from upcoming episodes, and the types of guests you'll hear from.Whether you're feeling unsure about your next steps or simply curious about what’s out there, this is your invitation to discover real stories, surprising roles, and honest advice from people who’ve taken their science backgrounds in exciting new directions.