C&EN Uncovered: PhD to CEO, how chemistry entrepreneurs are making the jump

In the 20th century, corporate powerhouses like Bell Labs and DuPont Central Research funded R&D from their balance sheets, creating a clear path for postdoctoral scientists to innovate beyond their university research. In 2024, with the decay of corporate laboratories, graduates are taking the commercial start-up route more and more. C&EN, business reporter Matt Blois discusses several such start-ups, exploring how the founders are making the transition from PhD to CEO and mapping the various routes they've taken to secure funding to continue their research. C&EN Uncovered, a project from C&EN's podcast, Stereo Chemistry, offers a deeper look at subjects from recent stories. Check out Matt's story on how PhDs are learning to become CEOs at cenm.ag/chementrepreneurs Cover photo: Laura Stoy inside a laboratory at Rivalia Chemical Subscribe to Stereo Chemistry now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. A transcript of this episode is available at cen.acs.org.   Credits Executive producer: David Anderson C&EN Uncovered host: Craig Bettenhausen Reporter: Matt Blois Audio editor: Ted Woods Copyeditor: Bran Vickers Episode artwork: Jim Prisching Music: "Hot Chocolate," by Aves Contact Stereo Chemistry: Contact us on social media at @cenmag or email [email protected].