In a world where the boundaries between science and business are becoming increasingly blurred, a unique initiative has emerged that has the potential to transform the careers of young scientists. BioChem Start – an original program of the Poznań Science and Technology Park (PPNT), which aims to support young scientists in implementing innovative projects that respond to the challenges of modern science and business.
What is BioChem Start?
BioChem Start is a program created by the Poznań Science and Technology Park of the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation in Poznań. Its main goal is to support scientists by employing them in full-time research positions and helping them develop their innovative research ideas with commercialization potential. What distinguishes this program from others? The program is financed from PPNT’s own funds, which, through its implementation, wants to fulfill its mission of transferring knowledge to the economy, while offering young scientists an excellent place to implement their ideas. Unlike traditional recruitment for post-doc positions, BioChem Start does not impose research topics – it is up to the participants themselves to convince us of the direction and validity of their projects.
Investing in people and ideas
BioChem Start is not only about financing, but also comprehensive support. As part of the annual project, young scientists receive up to PLN 200,000 for research, purchase of materials, and project implementation. In addition, they have access to modern PPNT laboratories, mentoring, and support in commercialization and intellectual property protection.
Why can the program change your career path?
Dr. Marcin Śmiglak, Vice President of the AMU Foundation, emphasizes: “We want young scientists to not have to choose between science and business. BioChem Start is a space where they can safely test their ideas, develop them, check their market potential, and begin implementing them, drawing on the experience of the PPNT team and our laboratories. BioChem Start is a program for those who have the ambition to implement the results of their research into the economy. It can be a product, it can be a technology, we can jointly implement it on the market in a licensing model, in the form of a service, or create a new technology start-up. There are many possibilities, all you need is a person and an idea.”
Program stages and idea incubation
The program consists of two stages. In the first stage, recruitment, a team of experts evaluates the submitted projects and selects those with the greatest potential. In the second stage, participants undergo incubation, which aims to further develop their ideas and validate them in terms of market and technology. As part of the 12-month program, participants are employed as research specialists at the UAM Foundation, which gives them the opportunity to work in an expert-supported environment and quickly develop their technology to pre-implementation readiness.
Benefits of participating in the BioChem Start program
BioChem Start is a strategic initiative that focuses on real support, independence, and the development of research potential. With clearly defined goals, resources, and a unique formula, the program gives young scientists the opportunity to turn scientific ideas into concrete solutions ready for implementation by conducting their research in an environment focused on developing new technologies and quickly implementing them into industrial practice.
Join BioChem Start!
If you are a young scientist with a PhD in chemistry or biotechnology and you have an innovative idea (at a technological readiness level of TRL< 0 >3) with proven commercial potential, BioChem Start is the opportunity for you. Visit > and submit your project. Don’t miss this opportunity to combine your passion for science with practical application and develop your career in an innovative environment!
