Turning Breakthrough Research into Real-World Impact: Meet Our Fellows

At Faculty of Impact, we support researchers in transforming their groundbreaking innovations into thriving businesses with real societal impact. Our current fellows are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, from early cancer detection to revolutionary drug development. Here, five of them share their journeys, aspirations, and experiences with the program.

Transforming (esophageal) cancer diagnostics with a pill-sized camera

Anouk Post – Capsule Photonics

Anouk Post is co-founding Capsule Photonics. This spin-off company is developing LightUp, a revolutionary pill-sized camera with state-of-the-art imaging technologies designed to improve early detection of esophageal cancer. With traditional endoscopy early cancer is difficult to see and missed in 25% of patients. By combining Optical Coherence Tomography and Targeted Fluorescence, LightUp captures microscopy-likes images, highlighting areas with cancer biomarkers. By miniaturizing these imaging technologies into a pill-sized camera the procedure becomes faster and easier for healthcare professionals, and more comfortable for patients.

“Each year, over half a million people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and survival rates are devastatingly low due to late detection. LightUp detects 95% of early cancer cases, significantly improving patient outcomes while reducing the burden on the healthcare system,” Anouk explains.

Having successfully demonstrated the power of this technology, Anouk is now focused on a clinical trial where LightUp is administered to patients. Within two years, Anouk aims to have a  commercially manufactured device with regulatory approval in the U.S., allowing it to reach hospitals and impact patients’ lives. “Faculty of Impact is giving me the business knowledge and confidence I need to spin out from the university and bring LightUp to market,” she shares.

Pioneering a New Cancer Drug

Felix Paulussen – Ninetac

With colorectal cancer among the deadliest forms of cancer, Felix Paulussen is working on a novel therapeutic approach. His startup, Ninetac, is developing peptide-inspired inhibitors of beta-catenin, a key protein in Wnt-dependent cancers.

“We are in the early stages of refining our inhibitors to improve potency and uptake,” Felix explains. “In two years, we hope to have a strong data set that will attract private investors to move our research forward.”

For Felix, the Faculty of Impact program provides crucial guidance in navigating the commercial drug development landscape. “As an academic, the process of turning research into a business is unfamiliar territory. The program has been invaluable in helping me plan with the end goal in mind.”

A New Approach to Cancer Therapy

Irati Beltrán Hernández & Sebas Pronk – Lumox

Irati Beltrán Hernández and Sebas Pronk are co-founders of Lumox, a startup transforming cancer treatment with Rapid PhotoTherapy (RPT). This innovative therapy selectively destroys solid tumor cells with unmatched precision, minimizing side effects compared to conventional treatments.

“We want to bring an extremely targeted therapy to cancer patients that only destroys cancer cells and leaves normal cells unharmed,” Sebas shares. “For patients with tumors in difficult areas, like the head and neck, this could mean avoiding life-altering surgeries.”

Lumox has already validated its potency and precision in animal models. Over the next two years, Irati and Sebas plan to secure multimillion-euro funding to manufacture the drug at scale and meet regulatory safety requirements.

“We had already done most of the research within academia,” Irati adds. “Faculty of Impact has been instrumental in helping me transition from researcher to entrepreneur. I’m learning how to pitch to investors, engage with regulatory agencies, and build a business around our innovation”.

“Raising millions in funding to bring our drug to clinical trials requires skills beyond the lab. Faculty of Impact gives me the training and focus I need to take Lumox to the next stage,” says Sebas. “Plus, I’m learning how to make complex scientific concepts accessible to investors and policymakers.”

AI-Powered Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s

Ewelina Weglarz-Tomczak

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time. Ewelina Weglarz-Tomczak is pioneering a de novo drug design platform to identify new, safer drug candidates faster than ever before.

“The drug development process is lengthy and costly. My platform can significantly reduce the time and cost involved, increasing the chances of finding effective therapies faster,” Ewelina explains.

Currently in the early preclinical stage, Ewelina aims to raise seed funding and validate the platform’s effectiveness within the next two years. She sees the Faculty of Impact as a game-changer for transitioning from research to commercialization.

“This program has helped me develop not only a solid business strategy but also leadership skills. I am growing into the role of a CEO, equipped with the knowledge to lead a successful startup,” she says.

From Researcher to Entrepreneur: The Faculty of Impact Experience

Across different fields, our fellows share a common journey: moving from academic research to business creation. For many, the selection process was an eye-opener, requiring them to think beyond their science and focus on real-world impact.

“Writing the proposal forced me to consider the business potential of my research,” says Anouk. Felix agrees: “Explaining our idea in a short pitch video changed the way I communicate about my innovation.”

Once in the program, they quickly realized they were not alone. “Being surrounded by like-minded peers who share the same challenges is incredibly empowering,” Irati notes. Sebas highlights the value of the training: “It’s full-time support that allows us to focus 100% on our startups.”

Looking Ahead: Building the Next Generation of Deep-Tech Startups

Over the next two years, these fellows aim to take their innovations from proof-of-concept to market readiness. Whether securing regulatory approval, scaling up manufacturing, or attracting investors, Faculty of Impact is equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

And they’re already giving back. “I help others by sharing how to secure government funding and translate complex science into compelling stories,” says Sebas. “The most valuable part of the program has been meeting like-minded peers who face the same hurdles,” says Irati. “We help each other navigate this challenging but rewarding journey.”

The Faculty of Impact community is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad for researchers who dare to make a difference. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the journeys of these inspiring entrepreneurs!