The Industrial Biotech Bootcamp is a four-module training program organized by Planet.Bio and Biotech Booster. It is designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage industrial biotech ventures. Over the course of eight weeks, participants delve into key aspects of building a successful industrial biotech company. From understanding customer needs to defining value propositions, validating assumptions, and scaling towards impact. Each module combines learning with lectures from industry insiders, practical exercises, peer exchange, and expert guidance. This recap series follows the journey of our participants through all four modules.
Module 1: Focus on Customer Validation
The first module of the Industrial Biotech Bootcamp kicked off on October 2nd at Planet B.io in Delft, led by Cornelis Mijnders with Jasper Driessen as host. The energy quickly filled the room, and participants introduced themselves, each with one “creative lie” in their intro for the others to spot, setting the tone for an interactive and open day of learning.
Getting to Know the Framework
Jasper opened the session with an overview of the bootcamp structure: four two-day modules spread over eight weeks, each covering the crucial topics for biotech venture development. Participants had already completed a self-assessment using the KTH model, which provides dimensions and levels to track their personal and business growth.
Customer Validation in Action
Cornelis then took the stage to share lessons from Dutch DNA Biotech and their journey in validating market opportunities for itaconic acid. The story perfectly illustrated the essence of customer validation: assumptions must be tested with real conversations. Initially focused on monomer and polymer producers, the Dutch DNA team discovered that their true customer was Lesaffre, a yeast-producing family company looking to expand beyond food.
“Talk to all value players as much as possible – and by ‘as much’ we mean at least a couple of times per month!”
The discussion sparked insights on how to identify the real customer within complex industrial value chains, especially in biotech, where multiple actors shape market dynamics.
Campfire Gossip Pitches
In the afternoon, participants joined “Campfire Gossip Pitches”: an interactive exercise to share and refine each other’s project ideas. The way it works is one participant gives a pitch, and afterwards the group discusses their impressions in a circle, with the pitcher listening in from outside. It was a playful yet powerful way to surface unclear points and gather honest feedback.
Between sessions, participants enjoyed lunch and a guided tour of Centrient Pharmaceuticals, where Limber Acosta explained the company’s innovative water purification system.
The day ended with dinner in the heart of Delft and an inspiring talk by Stephan van Sint Fiet, who shared his experience between corporate and start-up worlds and his journey with Vivici, a DSM spin-out developing new protein ingredients. Stephan emphasized the importance of focus:
“As a biotech company, don’t take a shotgun approach – be a sniper.”
Day 2: From Assumptions to Action
The second day took place in DSM’s brand-new building and centered on identifying and testing critical assumptions. The teams mapped out what they still needed to validate, sharpened their hypotheses, and explored how their networks could help. Collaboration proved key: many participants found connections to potential customers or experts through fellow bootcampers.
Business developers from Biotech Booster were also present to support teams, offering guidance and sparring opportunities.
The afternoon featured a deep dive into customer-centric innovation at DSM, led by Marianne Kentie and Chiara Garbolino. They shared how truly listening to customers at the start of product development can uncover unexpected value propositions. Two core lessons stood out:
- Listen before you sell. Understanding the customer’s context reveals hidden value.
- Be bold. Let customers feel your commitment and stay connected throughout the journey.
The day concluded with an introduction to the bootcamp’s coaches, a diverse and experienced group ready to guide participants in the coming weeks: Cindy Gerhardt, Cornelis Mijnders, Koen Clymans, Maria Cuellar-Soares, Nettie Buitelaar, Oscar Goddijn, Pete Rowe, Richard Schrama, and Rob van der Meij.
Key Takeaways
- Continuously validate assumptions: never stop talking to customers.
- In biotech, your “customer” might not be who you expect.
- Peer feedback and networking are invaluable accelerators.
- Focus and precision beat broad ambition – “be a sniper.”
- Listen first, sell later.
Looking Ahead
With the first module completed, participants now take their insights into the field, reaching out to customers, testing assumptions, and preparing for the upcoming modules. We can’t wait to see what they’ll uncover next.
Stay tuned for the next blog in this series!
