We wanted to offer a new, jointly developed and jointly run digital bootcamp program for bio-tech start-ups. The program did allow start-ups from mainly Germany and Sweden but also from other European countries to learn how to create a business. Furthermore, the program offered access to SmiLe's and BioM's networks. Staff from both organizations developed and broaden their knowledge, skills and competences related to the content of the business support provided, the “what”. In addition, we have developed and broaden our and the participating teams digital knowledge and skills in using digital tools, the “how”, for education, networking, collaboration and process development.
Biotech start-ups play a role in the future improvement of human health and in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. The importance of their work has been particularly seen by the latest pandemic highlighting how crucial it is to strengthen EU start-ups, so that the EU region remains resilient in times of crises. Biotech innovative solutions to develop new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options are key drivers in pharmaceutical industry. Founding a biotech start-up is a high-risk venture with difficult access to capital for investors and innovators to start-up disruptive technologies. Bringing new biotech inventions to the highly regulated market requires long development times associated with immense costs. Also, the attrition rate is high, less than 5% of drug discovery products ever make it to the market. It is important to equip academic founders and start-ups for success right from the beginning with specialized knowledge, access to regional and international network but also access to funding and investors. The digital biotech program offered the participants the best start possible while increasing digital readiness and reducing the environmental impact.