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' Backgrounds

02:29 Immunordic's Mission and Services

03:32 The Origin Story

06:08 Early Challenges and Lessons

11:17 Building the Lab

18:43 Funding and Resources

20:52 Understanding Through Teaching

21:55 Enrolling and Guiding New Lab Members

22:35 Identifying Student Drives and Aligning Projects

23:40 Challenges and Successes with Student Projects

24:39 The Pivot to In Silico Prediction

25:19 Building Synthetic Libraries and Bio Panning

26:08 Challenges with Wet Lab Services

27:50 Transitioning to Scalable Solutions

28:37 Adopting In Silico Methods

30:40 Client and Market Reactions to the Pivot

39:10 Future Plans and Collaborations

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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach