For how many years did you work with the incubator team?
“We worked with support from UBI for three years, between 2016—2018”.
What happened to your idea in the end?
“At the end of this period, we understood that we had to perform more scientific studies to meet the industry demands for proof of concept. We could show that we could detect prostate cancer but only on a small cohort of 10 prostate. Especially the Raman modality needed more research to meet the demands. We therefore applied for more research money and continued development. At the moment we are finishing a new study and the results will be revealed soon. However, the company, owing the patents, has been put on hold”.
What did you most appreciate about the incubator environment at UBI?
“The competence and coaching that was allocated to us from UBI was excellent! We also got important funding for business development and important market contacts. Furthermore, we were invited as “Bubblare” at an investor meeting at Grand Hotel that gave several investor-contacts that were interested in investing in us if we could deliver a proof of concept”.
What learnings have you taken with you from your journey in the incubator?
“Not to underestimate the time it takes to reach the market. Having a patent is very expensive and you must pay the annual fees from your own pocket. Therefore, it is important to have an early investor in your company that can finance the patent fees during the phase of development”.
What would you say to others wanting to utilize a research idea?
“Go for it! It will in any case give you another perspective of your project and an interesting journey. Understand that it will take more time to succeed than you had expected!”
Interview – with Olof Lindahl – made in September, 2024.