As part of the Seminar Series, WRCB organized a seminar by Mr. Suraj Nair of Ankur Capital Fund (WRCB's Ecosystem Partner) on Investor Readiness for Deep Science Startups. The discussion covered several aspects researchers face while taking their innovation from lab to market. In his talk, he discussed how to identify translational opportunities in healthcare and life sciences, how the researchers should steer translational research towards spinning off or technology-licensing, what the VCs look for when they invest in early-stage startups, how to prepare for it etc. He also shared the success stories of deep-tech healthcare and life sciences startups in India, which helped the audience to understand many challenges.

Researchers spend years working hard in the lab developing their products, only to realize later that their ideas won't leave the lab. This situation arises mainly because commercialization requires scaled-up production, and this in turn requires significant funding (government sources and private investors). Yet another challenge is the gap in the expectations of venture capital funding agencies vs. researchers/founders. It was an insightful talk for prospective entrepreneurs, which gave an idea of how life science startups can be made investor ready and how the existing funding gap could be addressed.

The seminar was attended by 25+ participants, including IITB students and faculties. In the interactive session afterward, the audience raised their questions and concerns on patents, publications, investment, funding etc. Dr. Abdur Rub concluded the session by thanking Mr. Suraj for sharing valuable suggestions and the audience for their active participation. We received an overwhelming response from the students and faculties, and requests for more such insightful seminars/discussions.