A recent innovation competition at Earlham Institute challenged scientists to think like an entrepreneur and bridge the gap between discovery and application.
Innovation and enterprise activities are crucial for realising the impact of academic research, symbiotic partners that drive forward fundamental science, and innovate commercially viable products and services.
A recent innovation competition at Earlham Institute challenged scientists to think like an entrepreneur and bridge this gap between discovery and application.
“Although it is exhilarating to witness something in the lab that no one else has seen; the real impact is realised when that discovery transforms into a tool that thousands can use,” says Fiona Nielsen, Royal Society Entrepreneur-in-residence at Earlham Institute.
“By translating discoveries into practical applications for therapeutics, biotechnology, agriculture, or even to enhance the research capabilities of other scientists, we can develop new therapies and provide solutions that have the potential to benefit a vast number of people.”
Since starting her role last February, Fiona has been encouraging staff and students at the Institute to think about commercialisation in the broadest sense, further embedding a culture of innovation and development.
From left to right: Dr Stephanie Pilkington, Earlham Institute Trustee Director, Dr Fiona Nielsen, Entrepreneur-in-residence, and Yash Bancil, PhD researcher and competition winner
“Whether it is by offering a new service, protecting IP that can be licenced, or spinning out a company, there are lots of ways in which the Institute’s research activity and knowledge can be applied to tackle real-world challenges,” Fiona explains.
Working closely with the Business Development and Impact team, Fiona has led an innovation competition that invited staff at all stages of their career to pitch their ideas to a panel comprising members of Earlham Institute’s management team and representatives from Earlham Enterprise Ltd, the trading arm of the Institute. All participants benefited from one-to-one mentorship with Fiona as she helped them prepare their presentations.
This year’s winner, Yash Bancil, is a final year PhD student on the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) funded by BBSRC.
“The experience of working in industry before starting my PhD has helped me to think about ways in which my research can help solve problems in industry and real-life scenarios,” says Yash.
“I have always thought that I would like to have an idea that could progress into something commercial one day, but did not know how to go about doing this; working with FIona and the Business Development and Impact Team as part of the EI Innovation competition has opened those doors.”
Yash is working on a CASE PhD project in partnership with Microbiotica, a company that is developing precision live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) to boost the immune response against cancer and treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Based in the Macaulay Group, he is using advanced single-cell technologies to characterise mixed microbial communities that live together in a range of environments, known as microbiomes.
He feels fortunate to be in such a stimulating and collaborative environment at the Earlham Institute. “I am grateful that I have a very supportive supervisor, Iain Macaulay, to discuss my ideas with and support me along my journey.”
Although it is exhilarating to witness something in the lab that no one else has seen; the real impact is realised when that discovery transforms into a tool that thousands can use.
Fiona Nielsen, Royal Society Entrepreneur-in-residence at Earlham Institute
When the competition was first announced, Yash didn’t even plan to enter as he was focusing on completing his PhD. However, following his placement in industry and attending an international conference over the summer, he spotted a gap in the market that his idea could address. “Speaking to people in industry confirmed a strong demand for the solution that my idea offers,” he says.
Yash’s meetings with Fiona were crucial to further develop his idea. She prompted him to think about the commercial hypothesis as well as business risks and assumptions, which he’d never had to consider before.
During the competition, participants pitched their ideas to the panel in 10-minute closed-door sessions, with panellists asking questions and providing feedback after each presentation.
“I felt I was in a comfortable space to share my idea,” Yash recalls. “The diverse experience of the panellists meant they were able to provide very useful feedback and guidance on how to identify target customers.”
Yash was thrilled to win the competition with his idea, which explores overcoming challenges in accuracy and efficiency of the analyses of microbial communities for therapeutic interventions.
“I’m absolutely delighted to work with Yash on helping to forge a productive collaboration with Microbiotica, and exploring the potential commercial applications arising from his PhD project,” said Dr Liliya Serazetdinova, Head of Business Development and Impact at Earlham Institute.
“Yash is a pleasure to work with, he has a spirit of entrepreneurship, and clearly demonstrated the diverse applications of his idea which he will explore further as a basis of potential commercial offering,” Liliya added.
The experience of working in industry before starting my PhD has helped me to think about ways in which my research can help solve problems in industry and real-life scenarios.
Yash Bancil, NRPDTP PhD Researcher at Earlham Institute
For winning the competition, Yash has received KEC (knowledge exchange and commercialisation) funding of up to £10,000 to conduct market research and explore IP and licensing possibilities. He will also be supported in developing the proof of concept surrounding commercialisation of his idea.
Both Fiona and Yash acknowledge the difficulties of turning an idea into an innovative product or service. “It is really hard if you don’t have someone to guide you; the advice from people like Fiona is invaluable,” Yash says.
In 2026, Fiona will continue supporting researchers in realising the commercial impact of their work. She is lining up some inspirational speakers to ignite an entrepreneurial mindset across the Institute and foster a culture of innovation that could lead to new spinouts and industry partnerships. She also hopes this year's competition will inspire more participants to take part next year.
Authored by Monica Hoyos Flight, writing for the Earlham Institute.
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