E64 #StartupStory "Building Biotech from Scratch: The Immunordic Journey" with Emil Arvedsen & Jannik Faliu

In this episode, Emil and Jannik, co-founders of Immunordic share their journey of building a startup in the biotech industry. They discuss the challenges they faced while developing a technology platform for identifying protein binders using limited resources. The conversation covers their initial focus on building synthetic libraries and wet lab methods, the pivot to an AI and machine learning-based approach, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Key insights include the importance of networking, how to build a lab on a tight budget, and the value of persistence and passion in driving a startup forward. They also outline their current focus and future directions, aiming to provide accessible scientific tools for diagnostics, therapeutics, and academic research.00:40 Founders' Backgrounds02:29 Immunordic's Mission and Services03:32 The Origin Story06:08 Early Challenges and Lessons11:17 Building the Lab18:43 Funding and Resources20:52 Understanding Through Teaching21:55 Enrolling and Guiding New Lab Members22:35 Identifying Student Drives and Aligning Projects23:40 Challenges and Successes with Student Projects24:39 The Pivot to In Silico Prediction25:19 Building Synthetic Libraries and Bio Panning26:08 Challenges with Wet Lab Services27:50 Transitioning to Scalable Solutions28:37 Adopting In Silico Methods30:40 Client and Market Reactions to the Pivot39:10 Future Plans and CollaborationsIdeas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)Join Our Life Science Talent EcosystemWe want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach