At Umeå University, the life science innovation journey typically begins at the Innovation Office, where ideas are evaluated through needs validation as well as IP and patent assessments. Projects with strong scientific foundations and clear innovation potential can then advance to incubation at Umeå Biotech Incubator.
To strengthen this critical handover, UBI has created a new role and appointed Ololade Awoyomi as project manager through the end of the year. She will focus on advancing selected projects, initially working with two cases to support their progression from early-stage development into incubation.
Support projects in a critical transition
“Many life science innovators are in the midst of their academic careers, which can make it difficult also to drive the commercialization of their research. We have therefore identified a clear need for a dedicated resource to move projects forward at this stage,” says Peter Jacobsson, Operations manager at UBI.
Ololade Awoyomi holds a PhD in Medical Biochemistry from Umeå University and is a certified project manager.
“I’ve always been driven by a strong interest in advancing life science innovation. I’m looking forward to supporting projects in the critical transition from pre-incubation to incubation,” she says.
Key part of building the future
Since late February, UBI, eXpression Umeå and Science Park in Umeå AB have jointly become part of Uminova Innovation. The ambition is to further strengthen collaboration across the regional ecosystem and create a more seamless and effective pathway for ideas to develop and generate real-world impact.
“We are currently sharpening both our strategy and operations to take the next step in innovation support. By aligning our efforts, we aim to deliver greater impact in terms of societal benefit and sustainable growth. This bridging role between the Innovation Office and UBI is a key part of building that future,” says Gustav Lovén, CEO of Uminova Innovation.