VALIDATE Workshop: How to Engage Bio-Entrepreneurs - Building Partnerships with Industry

Taking place 28 May 2025, 14:00 - 17:00 BST

Are you an early career researcher looking to collaborate with industry partners? Join us for this interactive, two-hour workshop—hosted by Petro Terblanche—designed to help you successfully engage with bio-entrepreneurs and build meaningful partnerships in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.

In this short workshop, Petro will provide an overview of the bio-entrepreneur environment, exploring its key players and emerging trends; share strategies to identify potential industry partners and make that all-important first contact; demonstrate how to craft a compelling pitch that highlights your value and the value of your research; and offer guidance on maintaining long-term partnerships for continued innovation and success. Through interactive discussions and expert insight, you’ll gain the confidence and tools needed to engage effectively with industry and propel your research forward.

This workshop is exclusively for members of the VALIDATE network and is especially designed for Early Career Researchers (ECRs).

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and get ready to collaborate, innovate, and engage with the bio-entrepreneur community!

About the Speaker:
Prof Petro Terblanche is a VALIDATE Investigator and the Chief Executive Officer of Afrigen Biologics (PTY) Ltd, where she applies her extensive background in technology-intensive organisations and the translation of research into tangible innovations. With extensive experience managing research portfolios in clinical oncology—both in single and combination therapy—she has also contributed significantly to the development of original research guiding policy and decision support in environmental health. Petro’s expertise spans the negotiation of license agreements in sectors like food, fine chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as the establishment of both for-profit and non-profit start-up ventures. Since 1999, she has played a key role in implementing South Africa’s Biotechnology strategy, reflecting her commitment to advancing vaccine development—including mRNA technologies—and fostering collaborative industry partnerships. Her current involvement as a VALIDATE Network Affiliate underscores her leadership in driving innovation and promoting global health initiatives.