How Much Startup Is in Your Research?

Utilizing methods such as design thinking, the initiative encourages participants to explore their entrepreneurial potential and offers insights from startup founders and innovation-focused companies. The program aims to initiate a cultural shift in academia towards entrepreneurial thinking and is supported by a network of academic and corporate partnerships. Sartorius has been supporting the YES-initiative since 2018 and workshops are regularly held in Göttingen, for example in the Life Science Factory in 2022. 

Hands-on Training and a Q&A With Role Models

This year’s workshop began with an introduction to entrepreneurship by two experienced coaches. After discussing the theoretical basics, the participants were asked to reflect on their careers and the scientific field. They were joined by two role models: Andrea Ernst from Sartorius and Jan-Patrick Pietras from the startup myofarm – both scientists who are advancing their careers in business. 

In my journey from the lab to leading teams, I've found that innovation truly comes alive when research meets entrepreneurial spirit.

- Andrea Ernst, Head of Normal Flow Filtration Materials, who joined Sartorius after finishing her PhD and is now, seven years later, leading a department of 40 researchers, engineers and managers.

After a lively discussion with the role models and further inputs by the University of Göttingen’s Startup Center, the group took a tour of the Sartorius campus. On the second day of the workshop, the young scientists were trained in design thinking as a method for quickly analyzing problems and developing concrete solutions from scratch. Working in teams, they focused on a single problem, envisioned a product that could solve that problem for the target audience, built a prototype, and pitched it to the whole group. Two days full of inspiration and networking finally left the young researchers with a lot of food for thought for their own careers. One thing is for sure: We look forward to seeing their startup aspirations in the future.