From Lab to Leadership: Support Academics Navigating Innovation & Spinouts
- Samantha Lynch
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
You’ve spent decades—building deep expertise. You see the potential for your work to make a tangible difference in the world. But the leap from publishing papers to launching a company can feel daunting. The truth is, spinouts are one of the most powerful ways to translate academic innovation into real-world impact. They allow you to commercialise research, attract investment, and create solutions that reach far beyond your lab or lecture hall. Yet, women remain underrepresented in the world of spinouts and academic entrepreneurship. We're on a mission to change that...
The FT's Rosie Carr Weekend Article - FT Saturday 6 September Money Supplement page 10. "University campuses prove fertile ground for spinouts" highlighted the rise of commercialising academic research and innovation - highlighted the shift in British institutions to move towards competitive innovation ecosystems,
"... as the government implements measures to provide increased support and universities reduce the size of their controlling stakes to put their start-ups on a more robust footing."
Through our work in innovation we also know that securing funding for innovation and spin outs is challenging and that women are heavily underrepresented. Through our coaching and workshops we have supported academics on their spin out journey from refining pitch decks, building their personal brand and supporting them in their transition to CEO of a spin out.
Here are some tips to help you:
Know Your Knowledge Base: Early rejections can be common whether for securing time to focus on your innovation or on the investor pitch cycle. Ensure you take time to understand the ecosystem in your institution and take the time to get in front of people that can advise you. Face to face makes all the difference.
Understand IP and Tech Transfer Intellectual property is the backbone of spinouts. Learn how your university handles IP ownership, licensing, and equity stakes. Knowledge is power in negotiations.
Build the Right Team No spinout succeeds alone. Surround yourself with complementary skills—business development, legal, fundraising—so you can focus on what you do best. Also ensure you understand the demands of transitioning from academic researcher to CEO.
Don’t Underestimate Your Leadership Remember: your research expertise and vision are the foundation of the company. Investors and partners need you - so go into investment rounds knowing your worth.
Seek Support Connect with others who’ve done it before. Ask your institution for support if you need to level up on skills such as personal branding or clarifying your vision.
If you’re a woman in academia who feels the pull toward creating impact beyond the university walls, we're here to back you. Together we can clarify your vision, build your confidence. Reach out for more information.
