The CEO, Lina Olsson (first from the left in the picture), has been with HiloProbe throughout its entire journey, from research at Umeå University to its development and commercialization through the Umeå Biotech Incubator.
For how many years did you work with the incubator team?
”Ten years, I joined the incubator in 2012 and made our exit from the ”Growth” phase in 2022”.
What happened to your idea in the end?
”We raised capital and began developing the business idea under HiloProbe with a new board appointed by the new investors/owners. The company is still running, and we are striving to establish the product ColoNode on the market to achieve profitability”.
What did you most appreciate about the incubator environment at UBI?
”Many things! The support for evaluating and developing the business idea, the network of diverse competencies, the coaching for me as a project owner, the soft funding to move the project forward, the excellent bridge from research to commercialization (before bringing in new owners/board who then take over), the facilities and infrastructure, the good coaching support, and the extremely positive and creative atmosphere created by UBI and all companies that share infrastructure”.
What learnings have you taken with you from your journey in the incubator?
“The entire journey from research results to a finished product (business development, CE marking, attracting capital, starting and grow a company, marketing and sales, intellectual property, and more”.
What would you say to others wanting to utilize a research idea?
“Apply your idea to UBI. Dare to take the step to advance the research so that it can actually benefit patients. Not all projects/companies succeed, but regardless, you will have made a journey and become richer in experience and network”.
Interview made in May 2024.
