18 November 2016
Plant scientist Siobhan Gardiner is a full-time PhD student at Cranfield University, and CEO of HEROTECH8 Ltd., a robotics start-up focusing on agri-tech and humanitarian logistics in developing nations. Since time of writing, Siobhan was announced as one of InnovateUK’s Women in Innovation 2016 at the National Business Awards on 15th November. Here she writes about her PhD journey, and some advice on creating a new business in science and technology.
It’s happening; I’m reaching the final stages of my PhD. Last month I had my final review before the thesis pre-submission meetings that will start in Spring 2017. My project is on the production of natural vanilla – and even though I am first and foremost a plant scientist – my project covers many aspects of molecular biology, analytical chemistry and flavour development.
The last three years of doctoral study have been both a professional and personal journey for me. On the very first day of my PhD studies my supervisor gave me some advice:
- You’re doing this, first and foremost, for you.
- You will get as much out of this experience as what you put in.
- Make the most of it.
So that is what I have tried to do. From travel grants and policy fellowships; to public speaking on sustainability, food security and STEM careers (with audiences ranging from kids to MPs!); to living abroad and working in ice cream design – I have tried to live and breathe my PhD. In so doing, it has taken me to 10 countries, across three continents, and I have been able to build new collaborations, both home and abroad, with research groups in academia and industry.
But right now I’m tackling my biggest challenge yet – I’ve decided to launch a start-up (and FYI it isn’t a spin out from my PhD!).
Siobhan visits ARM Ecosystem Accelerator in Shanghai
Whilst this has been slightly terrifying, I have been very surprised by the support and momentum I have been able to muster by simply building networks at my own university. It’s very common now for universities to have their own business incubation centres, often with additional support from IP specialists and entrepreneurship mentor programmes. Trying to build a start-up in agri-tech and robotics right now also has its advantages, with funding competitions now available that specifically target women wishing to build new businesses in technology, as well as competition scope on tackling global challenges like food security. Even though, at networking events, I still very much form part of the minority, I am starting to meet other young women entrepreneurs working across different industries.
I’m pleased to report that we’ve already had success with competitions (such as reaching the final stages of The Forerunner Prize 2016 competition, and winning a competitive pitch for pre-seed funding from The Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship). Needless to say we are extremely excited about what the next year is going to hold for the start-up. At the same time though, I’m going to be writing my PhD thesis. Learning about starting and growing a business has been like learning another language, hence building networks both within the university and externally has been key to my team getting a firm hold on our business plan and long term vision.
Siobhan presented in November 2016 at the 5th China Jiangsu Conference for International Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
At this moment I’m 10 hours into a 13 hour flight, returning to London from China. Following selection for the Innovate UK Women in Innovation 2016 Shortlist, I was invited to join the November 2016 UK Innovation Mission with Innovation China UK (ICUK), with support from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Global Prosperity Fund. I will continue to explore the huge agricultural sector in China, but what has been most exciting is learning about the already established industry in smart agri-tech.
My advice to all budding PhD entrepreneurs is – START NOW. It might succeed by the time you submit your thesis, it might not. But the skills you acquire on the journey are applicable regardless of whether you stay in an academic career track or otherwise.