During his postdoc at Umeå Plant Science Center at SLU in Umeå, Loïc worked on a project that required extensive hands-on experimentation. This sparked his new interest in 3D printing and design. Over time, his passion for solution-oriented design grew, while his enthusiasm for pipette-based research started to wane.
To channel his new interest, Loïc began designing and creating niche lab accessories for his colleagues in his spare time. One day, he attended a lecture on entrepreneurship by Sofia Mayans at SLU Holding. Inspired by her talk, he decided to pitch his idea to her.
Fast track to a company
What followed was a whirlwind. With support from SLU Holding, Loïc quickly turned his idea into reality and launched a sole proprietorship, Labstuce, in April 2024.
“Starting the company happened much faster than I expected. At first, I thought it would just be a side hustle, but I started getting more and more projects, each more challenging than the last. That’s when I decided to go all-in,” he says.
Today, Labstuce is Loïc’s full-time focus as he builds solutions for life science researchers. He operates out of his home office just outside Umeå. His current clients are mainly from SLU and Umeå University, but his goal for 2025 is to expand and work with more institutions.
Specific needs – tailormade solutions
The projects vary widely. Sometimes, it’s about producing new spare parts using a 3D printer. More often, though, clients come to him with a specific need, and Loïc has to unleash his creativity to solve it. Clients describe the problem, and he dives into the details, designing a solution in CAD that he can then manufacture.
“Those are the projects I enjoy the most. I still have a scientific mindset, so I love challenges that push me to explore a topic, think deeply, and come up with a solution,” says Loïc, who believes his biology background gives him a significant edge.
Biological background is an advantage
“I know more about functionality than someone from a pure design background, and I know more about biology than the engineers. My biology background allows me to translate knowledge between biology and CNC machines, and to design solutions that work seamlessly at the lab bench.”
While the technical side of the business feels natural, navigating the entrepreneurial world is a new challenge for Loïc. He’s grateful for the guidance he’s received from SLU Holding, especially from Sofia Mayans and Maria Klintenäs, and he’s applied to Uminova Innovation‘s startup program to strengthen his skills in business management.
“We’ll see where this leads, but if Labstuce becomes my long-term career, my dream is to expand and bring in a team of specialists from different fields. It would be incredible to reach a level where I can have a bird’s-eye view and collaborate with experts in electronics and machinery, for example.”
What advice do you have for others with untapped ideas?
“Just go for it! You don’t need a big upfront investment to get started, and the learning experience is invaluable. Looking at things through a business lens has already taught me so much,” Loïc says.
“And remember — Sweden has an incredible innovation support system. You can simply present your idea and get guidance and support to see if it holds up.”