From June 8–11, 2026, Christina Leupold, PhD student in the Wagner Lab, participated in the Danish–Bavarian BioBuilder Camp, a four-day program designed to connect early-career researchers in life sciences and biotechnology with entrepreneurship and business expertise. Organized by Innovation Centre Denmark – Munich and BioM, the Bavarian Biotech Cluster Development, the program took participants to Copenhagen and Munich to explore how scientific research can be translated into innovative applications and ventures.

The BioBuilder Camp brought together PhD and postdoctoral researchers from the life sciences and biotechnology with master’s students specializing in business. Over four days, participants took part in workshops, presentations, and discussions covering topics such as funding pathways and entrepreneurship in life sciences, biotech business basics, and the transition from research to problem framing. The program also provided insights into the biotech and startup ecosystems in Denmark and Bavaria. Among the highlights for Christina Leupold were an inspiring talk by Janine Erler on embracing non-linear career paths and a visit to MAXL, offering insights into Munich’s startup and innovation landscape.

For researchers at an early stage of their careers, such interdisciplinary experiences provide an opportunity to broaden their perspective beyond the laboratory. Working together with students from a business background also offered participants the chance to explore scientific questions from a different perspective and to better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in translating research into real-world applications.

Christina Leupold thanks the organizers, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, speakers, and fellow participants for the valuable exchange and the opportunity to connect with researchers and innovators from Denmark and Germany.