VoT winners’ interviews: Martin Holub
Next up in our spotlight series on the 2024 Voices of Tomorrow winners is Martin Holub, who was part of the entrepreneurship track.
In this interview, Martin shares his experience, challenges, and key takeaways from the competition. We’re excited for you to dive into his journey and be inspired by his perspective!
Journey and Motivation
1. What inspired you to join the Voices of Tomorrow competition, and why did you choose your track (consulting, entrepreneurship, or venture capital)?
I am an engineer and scientist who is deeply passionate about science as a force for good. I enjoy imagining the future and finding ways to bring it closer to reality with an approach that is based in scientific and engineering rigor. To do so, turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions is vital. This is why I was excited to join the program and the entrepreneurship track.
2. How did the competition’s masterclasses, webinars, and mentors shape your
approach?
They offered valuable guidance on topics such as engaging with investors, strengthening the company’s IP portfolio, and fostering a positive culture, among other insights. One memorable exchange with a mentor even independently sparked a pivotal shift in our project direction. Overall, hearing from these accomplished individuals was truly inspiring.
Teamwork and Problem-Solving
3. How did your team collaborate and navigate challenges during the competition?
We initially brainstormed ideas where all of the members of our team felt strongly about. Having identified two or three areas with mutual interest, we then picked therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases, as two members of our team had the experience of these diseases in their family, and we overall felt very strongly about the mission. We distributed tasks, and aimed to deliver on them independently in between regular meetings. While we attempted to carry weight equally, eventually we had few people contribute more than others. Help from the organization in managing this would have been appreciated.
4. Can you share a specific moment where mentorship or teamwork made a
significant impact on your project?
Yes, met with a co-founder of a startup tackling neurodegenerative diseases based in San Diego. They carefully reflected on our goals approach, and this eventually led to us pivoting from the original discovery/platform idea towards therapeutic asset-based approach.
Track-Specific Insights
5. Entrepreneurship Track: What was your approach to evaluating startups and making
investment decisions?
We have proposed an antibody-RNA conjugate for delivery and targeting in the brain. Our approach is a novel combination of several aspects presented in academic literature recently. This includes antibodies and antibody fragments for receptor mediated transcytosis across the blood brain barrier, antibody-drug conjugates, and small interfering RNA molecules for potent and durable gene silencing.
Professional Background and Growth
6. What elements of your academic or professional background helped you excel in
the competition?
I think I have contributed in several ways. First, I have robust technical knowledge in life sciences and engineering biology, and this proved to be vital in the stage of developing the platform and therapeutic concepts. As a PhD I am used to thinking critically, and look for the cutting edge innovation – which again was helpful when looking through recent papers. I have a broad network, and this has been useful when scouting mentors. Finally, I also enjoy pitching and presenting.
7. Which skills gained through VoT do you consider most valuable for your future
endeavors?
Going from nothing to a good pitch. That has been a really interesting experience to go through, in particular for someone who is academic, and is used to these things to take much longer.
8. How has participating in this competition influenced your career aspirations or
long-term goals?
It helped to further grow my network. I also think that the experience of building an idea and pitching it has been very educational and is likely to fuel my appetite for something similar in the future.
Future Aspirations and Leadership
9. Where do you see yourself in five years, and how has this experience shaped
your vision for your role in biotech or healthcare?
In five years, I see myself in the space of early stage ventures, as co-founder, and advisory and board member.
10. Do you plan to stay engaged with the GBR network or support future VoT
participants?
Yes, I am open to this.
Reflections and Advice
11. What was the most memorable or transformative moment of the competition?
Probably when we pitched and realized and felt that impactful and resonated with the committee.
12. What advice would you give to future participants to make the most of this
opportunity?
Pick a project that is aligned with your interests and objectives. Keep track of progress, and deliverables, on a per-individual basis. Reach out to as many mentors and stakeholders as possible.
