inSEIT: The Venture Leader Biotech offering integral services for enzyme immobilization technologies

23.04.2024 10:30, Rita Longobardi

Meet David Roura Padrosa, CEO of inSEIT. The Biotech startup offers services focused on screening, applying, and scaling up enzyme immobilization to ensure practical implementation in industrial setups. In May, David will join nine other Biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: David Roura Padrosa
Location: Bern (Switzerland)
Nationality: Spanish
Education: PhD in Chemical Biology
Job title: CEO and Co-Founder
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: CHF 397K
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps and how?
Our technology enables faster and more reliable development of biobased catalysts that can help the chemical industry adopt more sustainable practices. These catalysts are designed to work under less harsh conditions, which means there’s less reliance on hazardous chemicals and creates a safer working environment. Improving cost-effectiveness and sustainability in the chemical industry will have a major impact on all of us.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
We’re starting with the fine chemical sector, which includes industries like pharmaceuticals, fragrances and food additives. Our goal is to demonstrate the value of our technology and products here before moving on to the bulk chemical industries.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The inspiration came from my time as a PhD student and the collaborative work I did with the industry afterwards. I saw a significant opportunity in immobilized biocatalysts that wasn’t being fully utilized, mainly due to certain limitations. To solve these limitations and unlock their full potential is the mission of inSEIT.

How do you think the Venture Leaders roadshow will help you achieve your vision?
The Venture Leaders roadshow is a fantastic opportunity for us in terms of visibility, market expansion and further product validation. Learning from biotech experts, and meeting with potential international partners, investors and clients is crucial for our fast development. We know the US is a big market for chemical innovation and this will surely help us have a solid strategy. 

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What are your team’s key achievements to date?
Having the first customer interactions in the two services was very rewarding, especially because we managed to deliver tailored biocatalysts that have outstanding stability. Also, closing our first investment round in late 2023 was key for us. And the best is yet to come, with the future investment planned and the launching of our first catalogue!

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
Sustainability and innovation: This is what we offer to our clients and these are the core values of inSEIT. We want to have a positive impact on addressing the sustainable development goals from multiple perspectives.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
The importance of a consistent vision but allowing enough flexibility to take in customer feedback. They might seem contradictory but coming from academia, sometimes you tend to think that having the right technology is enough. And especially to enjoy this journey. We are privileged to be able to pursue our vision, and this is what I value the most.

Tell us something people don't know about you.
During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a magician to explain science concepts to high school students.

Any podcasts or books you want to share with us?
Two very different ones: “Flatland” and the graphic novel “Watchmen”.