The first edition of the Executive Academy, a unique educational programme for researchers, starts this week in Prague. The new programme helps scientists in biotechnology and related fields develop managerial skills and learn how to transfer research results into practice. The official kick-off meeting brought together Academy participants, their lecturers, organisers, programme partners, and other key figures from the biotech community.
The Executive Academy is part of the Lorem Ipsum Academy project, created through the cooperation of three organisations – Prague.bio, Technologická gramotnost, and IP Lab Ventures. Together, they cover the entire commercialisation journey from a scientific idea to a successful company.
“Czech universities train world-class scientists, but not managers. The Executive Academy is the first programme of its kind in the Czech Republic to offer practical support to those who have decided to move from the laboratory into the commercial sphere,” says Ludmila Součková, Executive Academy Manager at Prague.bio.
The importance of the project is emphasised by the involvement of Professor Jan Konvalinka, Director of IOCB Prague and the main ambassador of the programme:
“In the Czech Republic we have excellent laboratories and many brilliant scientists with original ideas. We now also have investors who are actively looking for opportunities to support such ideas. What is still often missing is the ability to cross the ‘valley of death’ between basic research and real-world application. Confidence and knowledge are absolutely essential here.” According to Professor Konvalinka, the Lorem Ipsum Academy offers a solution that gives scientists the courage to step into the commercial world.
The Executive Academy consists of eight thematic workshops led by international lecturers – top experts in their fields. Twelve selected participants from among PhD students and postdocs in biotech disciplines will gain:
- Education in project management and commercialisation, financing, investor relations, legal basics, and leadership.
- Mentoring from experienced managers and investors in the technology sector.
- Networking opportunities with key ecosystem players – from institutions and investors to industry partners.
“We are bringing something that has been missing here. The Lorem Ipsum Academy is designed for those who want to found or lead a biotech company but lack managerial training and experience, and want to better understand the link between science and business,” adds Petra Kinzlová, CEO of Prague.bio.
The launch of Lorem Ipsum Academy is supported by the IOCB Tech Foundation and Česká spořitelna.
More information about the programme: www.loremipsumacademy.cz/executive-academy
