I began my career in academia 15 years ago with a fascination in microbiology and microbial biofilms. With stints in bacteriology, fungal biology, novel antimicrobial development and development of a nanovibrational bioreactor ‘nanokicking’.

COVID provided a reflective point in my career and my focus shifted from the core academic research to how technologies transition from the academic research environment to the ‘real world’. The Innovate UK programme, Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research” (ICURe) proved to be transformational in my career and provided the network and vehicle to co-found MiDx, with a singular purpose to bring better microbial diagnostics to people with cystic fibrosis.

Over the last few years I learned what it takes to build a company from the ground up, navigating grant and private investment, developing the core technology and building strong networks of KOLs with global organisations, and partnering for clinical studies. All the while building a team to achieve those expectations.

After leading the company, it was time for me to step back and let other capable hands guide it to market. This gave me the opportunity to evaluate my next steps and that step is BioStart Consulting. BioStart Consulting offers me an opportunity to support researchers, academic founders, entrepreneurs and their teams across the growing community in the Midlands and wider UK and help them reach their full potential.