In this series “Meet the people behind Biotech Booster” we introduce you to the passionate people who are involved in our mission.
A big part of our team consists of Biotech Booster business- and impact developers. They operate on a national level within five distinct Thematic Clusters (TC’s) that each represent specific biotech focus areas. Our business- and impact developers collaborate nationally on a daily basis to identify early-stage high-potential biotechnology findings. They guide scientists and aspiring entrepreneurs in their journey to transform their ideas into successful biotech businesses so that biotechnology findings have a faster positive impact on society.
Name: Francisco Jesús Arjona Madueño
What is your role within Biotech Booster?
I am part of the business development team of the Radboud University which is a member of Biotech Booster’s Thematic Cluster 5. Given my background in white and green biotech, I scout and support cases that also fall into Thematic Cluster 1 and Thematic Cluster 2. Due to this circumstance, I happily join TC2 in many of its meetings and help with its tasks and operations.
Can you describe your role in a nutshell?
I scout innovative cases at Radboud University that advance biotechnology mainly in the Agri&Food, Water, and Climate sectors. When I identify a promising opportunity, I collaborate closely with the researchers to co-design a valorization strategy that seamlessly aligns with a clear research plan, ensuring a strong pathway to societal impact. If the proposal is approved by Biotech Booster, I provide ongoing support by contributing business development expertise, helping to transform ideas into tangible outcomes. This role complements my work as a Knowledge Transfer Officer at Radboud University, a combination that significantly strengthens the valorization potential of each project. I particularly enjoy the collaborative environment within Biotech Booster, where I engage with business development peers to co-create projects, build dynamic teams, and share knowledge. These interactions are invaluable, fostering innovation and collective growth across the biotechnology ecosystem.
What motivated you to join Biotech Booster’s mission?
I may sound idealistic, but I am deeply motivated by the drive to bring academic research results to society, transforming ideas into real-world impact. It’s “sub-optimal” to see innovative breakthroughs remain confined within the academic sphere, never reaching their potential to benefit the world. The Biotech Booster program resonates strongly with this passion, enabling me to channel my ambition and turn these innovations into tangible contributions to society.
What do you love most about your role? Pick one thing!
I genuinely enjoy engaging in brainstorming sessions about impact pathways and exploring creative and effective ways to translate ideas into meaningful societal contributions.
You’ve been involved in Biotech Booster for a while. What are you most proud of? What has been a highlight/achievement so far? And what do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
I am proud to have been part of the early discussions around project implementation at Radboud University and Radboudumc. The teams at both institutions have done an excellent job integrating the Biotech Booster program into their structures. One of my proudest achievements has been bringing two Radboud University cases to the Biotech Booster program. I truly hope this vibrant community continues to thrive for years to come. The Biotech Booster community is unique—a space where we grow together as skilled business developers, fostering collaboration and shared success.
If you could have dinner with any scientist, living or dead, who would it be, what would you ask them and why?
I would have loved the chance to have dinner with Stephen Hawking. He exemplifies resilience and dedication, pursuing his passions both professionally and personally (family, friends, hobbies) despite immense challenges. If I had the opportunity, my question to him over dinner would be: ‘What do you dream about at night?’
Anything else you’d like to mention?
To Biotech Booster: keep going!
