Innovation in biotechnology: the trajectory of an Akademia entrepreneur

At the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, we are very proud of the alumni who have been trained in our Akademia programme.

The uniqueness of the program lies in its design and execution: it ranges from a demanding student selection process to a practical and avant-garde approach to the content of the classes, complemented by the excellence of the teachers. This combination results in students who are enthusiastic about innovation, ready to bring new ideas and creative solutions in their respective fields.

On this occasion, we interviewed Alonso Parrón, an Akademia alumnus, entrepreneur and expert in technology transfer in the field of digital health.

Alonso studied Biotechnology at the University of Salamanca and has a Master’s degree in Management and Development of Biomedical Technologies from the Carlos III University of Madrid. His career has been characterised by a strong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, which has led him to receive the Explorer programme award ‘Young people with Ideas’ and to stand out in the Deusto Citizen Bootcamp with the BAR-ID project. This project, of which Alonso is a co-founder, aims to detect bacterial resistance to antibiotics and identify the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

After being a Technology Transfer Technician at the CNIC – Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research, he is now an Innovation Manager at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Visiting Professor in the Master’s Degree in Translational Biomedical Research at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Below, we summarize the interview we had with Alonso:

After your experience at Akademia, how did this program influence your professional career and your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation in the biomedical field?

My time at Akademia has been fundamental in my professional development, providing me with the additional boost I needed to transfer my theoretical knowledge into practice. As a graduate in biotechnology, I realized that my academic training was mostly focused on scientific aspects, leaving a void when it comes to entrepreneurship. It was then that I discovered in Akademia the opportunity to explore this facet that interested me so much.

Thanks to my scientific background and the orientation towards entrepreneurship and innovation provided by Akademia, I was able to develop a unique perspective in the biomedical field. This experience gave me a very valuable platform to gain entrepreneurial skills and understand the specific challenges of the healthcare sector from the perspective of the entrepreneur. In addition, it not only broadened my vision on how to approach medical problems with innovative solutions, but also connected me to a strong network of mentors, collaborators, and peers with similar interests, with whom to share experiences and learn from each other.

Tell us about your BAR-ID project, a biotechnology initiative for the detection of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. How did the idea come about and what impact could it have on the healthcare sector?

The BAR-ID project arises as a response to the growing challenge of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The idea took shape together with three colleagues during our master’s degree at the Carlos III University of Madrid, when they identified the urgent need to develop fast and accurate methods to detect these resistances in routine clinical practice. Aware that many hospitals and microbiology laboratories already have the necessary infrastructure, we decided to devise a project that would take advantage of this equipment. After several iterations, we focused on developing an artificial intelligence algorithm that would use existing hospital infrastructure to deliver fast and accurate results in identifying bacterial resistance. Although it is still in the development phase, the potential impact of BAR-ID on the healthcare sector is significant. It is hoped that it can drastically reduce diagnosis times, as well as slow the worrying growth of antimicrobial resistance, which in turn could save lives and decrease the direct and indirect costs associated with these infections.

You have worked in technology transfer in research centres such as the CNIC and VHIR. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities these institutions face when it comes to commercializing their discoveries?

At first glance, the biggest challenges faced by public research institutions in transferring research results to the market may lie in several key aspects. These include protecting intellectual property, identifying suitable business partners, and securing financing to reach commercialization. However, in my experience, many innovations that fail to reach the market are not due to a lack of a sound scientific basis or insufficient intellectual property protection. Rather, it is due to the lack of direct communication about market needs and in which areas the health sector is being invested, which hinders the effectiveness of public-private communication. As a result, some very promising innovations may be left behind simply because they are not presented at the right time or in the right way.

Another influential factor is the innovation mindset, which is crucial to facilitate technology transfer. It is necessary to foster a proactive innovation mindset, which includes, among other aspects, the evaluation of the patent application (or any other form of Intellectual Property protection) before scientific publication, to ensure greater market potential and thus facilitate the transfer of technology. This is an area in which we are constantly working to compete at European level with leading countries in terms of innovation.

In your experience, what is the key to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of biomedical sciences?

To foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the biomedical sciences, it is crucial to establish an environment that promotes calculated risk-taking and resilience in the face of failure, as well as providing adequate resources and mentorship for potential entrepreneurs. From my experience, I observe that many young researchers are unaware of the fundamental aspects of innovation and the entire process from the discovery of a potential drug to its application in patients. This process, long and complex, involves a variety of multidisciplinary profiles and agents with the ultimate goal of achieving a direct impact on society. I firmly believe that, by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among younger researchers, we can achieve a paradigm shift needed to take science beyond mere discovery and make it more translational.

In addition, it is necessary to expand knowledge about all the options that exist in the health sector industry beyond academia, implementing the culture of innovation. This involves spreading the word about the various career opportunities, including roles in pharmaceutical companies, biotech, startups, regulatory agencies, consultancies, and other related areas. By providing a broader understanding of the career possibilities available, an entrepreneurial spirit is fostered among biomedical professionals, who can explore different paths to apply their knowledge and skills in practice.

I also believe that it is essential to give greater visibility to scientists, especially scientists, entrepreneurs and successful women. This will allow new generations to have role models and examples of motivation to dedicate themselves to this field. Highlighting success stories and sharing inspiring experiences can inspire more people to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations in the biomedical sciences.

What role do you think programs like Akademia play in training future entrepreneurs and innovators in the health sector?

Programs like Akademia play a crucial role in training future entrepreneurs and innovators in the healthcare sector by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and networking needed to succeed in the competitive business world. These initiatives offer a unique platform to explore ideas, validate concepts, and receive expert feedback, making it easier for participants to turn their ideas into potential viable ventures. In addition, the collaborative environment with colleagues who share the same passion for creating projects and are willing to take risks to achieve their goals, encourages innovative thinking and the creation of synergies with potential collaborators.

These programs provide the training scientists need to further develop their innovative culture and think beyond science, enabling their discoveries to effectively reach the market. In my opinion, this is the key point, as research is done with the aim of making an impact on society, often by vocation.

Personally, I encourage scientists with an interest in entrepreneurship to participate in these types of programs, as they expand their perspective and contribute significantly to their professional development throughout their career.

As a renowned entrepreneur, with the Explorer ‘Young with Ideas’ award, what advice would you give to students and young professionals who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs?

First of all, I would tell them to focus on identifying real problems in the market and looking for innovative solutions that really add value, and that they have a passion for carrying out their idea. This passion is essential to stay motivated in the difficult moments of entrepreneurship, and it is with which you can captivate the rest of the people who will accompany you on the trip.

In addition, it is essential to have a mindset of perseverance and be prepared to face challenges, as the path of entrepreneurship is full of obstacles. Being resilient, knowing how to identify the mistakes of your project as early as possible and pivoting are keys to success. Hard work and having some luck also play a role. However, luck can be maximized through proper preparation and an ability to identify and take advantage of business opportunities.

Another crucial aspect is to surround yourself with a solid team. Investors not only invest in companies and products, but also and mainly in people. Therefore, it is essential to build a talented and cohesive team that shares the vision and is willing to work hard to achieve goals.

Likewise, seeking mentors and learning from the experiences of other entrepreneurs can provide valuable guidance and practical advice for navigating the world of entrepreneurship. Many cities offer entrepreneurship programs such as Akademia or Explorer where you can find this type of support and resources.

What are the most interesting trends you see in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine, and how do you think they will impact healthcare in the coming years?

The most interesting trends in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine include advances in gene and cell therapy, molecular diagnostics, precision and regeneration medicine, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These advances have the potential to radically transform healthcare, enabling more personalized and effective treatments, as well as faster and more accurate diagnoses.

One of the most prominent developments in the field of biotechnology is the application of CRISPR technology (molecular gene editing tool) in gene therapy. Recently, the UK’s medicines regulatory agency has approved the first CRISPR therapy for the treatment of sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. This milestone marks a significant advance in the treatment of genetic diseases, as CRISPR technology has the potential to correct specific genetic mutations accurately and efficiently.

Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into biotechnology and biomedicine is revolutionizing the way diseases are diagnosed and treated. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of genetic, molecular, and clinical data to identify patterns and predict disease risk. This allows for more accurate and earlier diagnoses, as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of more effective drugs.

We have an exciting future ahead of us in the life sciences, as these technologies will not only improve the efficacy and personalization of treatments, but also lead to better understanding and management of diseases, thus benefiting patients around the world.

In your opinion, what are the biggest ethical and regulatory challenges facing new biomedical technologies as they move from research to clinical practice?

One of the main challenges is the proper integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, which raises ethical questions about health decision-making and the need to ensure transparency and accountability of these systems. In addition, the protection of patient data and the privacy of personal information are crucial concerns, especially in the context of predictive medicine and gene editing. Likewise, the uncertainty about the safety and accuracy of genomic manipulation is also a relevant aspect, given the potential of biotechnology to eradicate diseases. Another major challenge is to ensure equitable access to these innovations and mitigate potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations.

Together, these challenges require a multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, regulators, and policymakers to effectively address the complex ethical and regulatory implications of new biomedical technologies.

Looking ahead, how do you envision your career and what are your next career goals within the biomedical innovation ecosystem?

The biomedical innovation ecosystem offers a promising and dynamic horizon for my professional career. In this context, I envision my career focused on the continuous development and growth within the Life Sciences sector, especially in the field of spin-offs and startups. My next professional goals are focused on playing an active role in promoting technology-based companies, facilitating the effective transition from laboratory science to the market.

With a solid experience of five years in this industry, my goal is to contribute to the advancement of innovative projects that have a significant impact on the improvement of the health of patients and the progress of society in general. In addition, my idea is to continue cultivating my entrepreneurial spirit and expand my knowledge in this area.

Thank you very much, Alonso!

If you want to know the testimonies of other Akademia alumni, you can see them here.

And if you want to know more about the Akademia program, we invite you to visit the Foundation’s website.