Turning Breakthrough Science Into Business

What does it really take to turn breakthrough science into a business that changes industries? In this episode, Giacomo Bastianelli, CEO of Rainbow Crops, shares his journey commercialising frontier science—from biotech and software startups to building climate-resilient crops using AI, genome editing, and precision breeding. He explains why people matter more than technology, how AI is transforming crop genetics through better data, and why patient capital is essential for deep-tech innovation. Giacomo also discusses Europe's evolving regulatory landscape, building high-performing teams, and the mindset required to navigate long development cycles while creating lasting impact.🎧 Tune in to discover how breakthrough science becomes scalable innovation—and why the future belongs to those willing to think long term.---🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:59 – The 3 Ps of startups09:53 – Engineering plants differently11:25 – Building Rainbow Crops17:04 – AI meets crop genetics20:20 – Europe's regulatory shift23:35 – Commercialising deep tech26:57 – Why patient capital matters35:40 – Lessons from failureUseful links: 👇Rainbow Crops Website:  https://www.rainbowcrops.comRainbow Crops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-crops/Giacomo Bastianelli Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomobastianelli/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/