Taking the step from academia to entrepreneurship can be a challenging but exciting process. For Sukanya Maity, a postdoctoral researcher at Linköping University, LEAD’s business development program BootUp became a crucial milestone in transforming research into a potential business opportunity.
Sukanya came to Linköping from India in 2023 to begin her research career in Professor Johanna Rosén’s Materials Design research group at Linköping University. During her work, she discovered an innovative method for developing safer and more effective UV-blocking materials – a technology with the potential to revolutionize future sunscreen products.
“I realized quite quickly that this was something I wanted to patent, and when the university helped me with the patent application, I also heard about LEAD,” says Sukanya.
LEAD offers several programs where researchers can receive support in validating the market potential of their innovations: BootUp, SommarMatchen, and the trainee program Entrepreneurs in Residence. Sukanya chose BootUp, a three-month business development program.
“I actually didn’t have the time. Doing research full-time while spending one and a half days per week on BootUp was intense – but it was absolutely worth it!”
From researcher to entrepreneur
Like many researchers, Sukanya had not initially seen herself as an entrepreneur, but BootUp gave her new insights and tools to think more commercially.
“The program has been incredibly educational. Getting the opportunity to pitch to investors at the end of the three months was a fantastic experience, and our idea received very positive feedback.”
With support from LEAD and the network she built during BootUp, Sukanya is now continuing her entrepreneurial journey with the goal of bringing her research all the way to the market.
“During the program I heard about LEAD’s trainee program Entrepreneurs in Residence, and now we have a trainee working further on our case, which is incredibly valuable,” she says, adding that she feels very optimistic about the future.
“We are really looking forward to creating a new generation of sunscreen products that combine safety, effectiveness, and sustainability.”
Do you have an idea you want to turn into reality? Here you can read more about the program and see the dates for the next round.
