A former cancer researcher who left academia to lead a precision oncology startup challenges the stigma surrounding industry careers. After watching promising therapies fail to reach patients, the author transitioned through public funding and venture capital before joining Concr as CEO. This dual perspective enhanced her ability to bridge scientific research with commercial applications.

The author notes that academic success measures—publications and citations—differ from commercial metrics where direct patient impact determines survival. Academia receives funding through grants and prestige, while companies face market validation. This transparency in business enables faster translation of research into treatments.

A generational shift shows younger academics increasingly embracing industry collaboration. The author argues scientists need business understanding and businesspeople need scientific respect. The wall between academia and industry must come down for scientific advances to reach patients efficiently.