From academic research to founding a company: the story of AiCuris

Abstract

Abstract This contribution describes the experiences with three careers: leading and building an academic research institute, heading a research area in a multinational pharma company and founding and leading a biotech company, which saw its first drug successfully enter the market in its 11th year of existence. The three positions had very different challenges, the common denominator for success was good and innovative science. However, research in a commercial environment, in addition to scientific excellence, also means to demonstrate the likely commercial success of the particular research. The most challenging, but at the same time the most interesting mission was the foundation of a new company, securing the financial means and developing the drugs, which had been discovered, in the clinics.