Academia versus Startup | Dr Priya Perumal
Dr Priya Perumal, Chief Scientific Officer, C2CA
Podcast Episode Description:
Lab to Market Leadership presents an insightful episode featuring Dr Priya Perumal, Chief Scientific Officer at C2CA, a university spinout focused on sustainable concrete recycling. Drawing on her experiences transitioning from academia to the Deep Tech startup world, Dr Perumal delves into the distinct contrasts between the structured, exploratory nature of university labs and the fast-paced, goal-driven startup environment. She reflects on the challenges of balancing scientific curiosity with the practical demands of commercialisation and highlights how startups uniquely blend academic rigour with industry pragmatism.
Dr Perumal offers candid advice for academics and researchers considering a move to the sustainability sector or launching a deep tech startup, emphasising the importance of collaboration, focus, and adaptability when building a team and navigating the uncertainties of startup life. She also shares insights into fostering transparency and trust with clients and investors, key factors for success in the competitive landscape of science-driven startups.
In addition, the episode touches on Priya’s role as a leader in a male-dominated field, underscoring the importance of gender diversity in engineering and leadership. Her journey from university research to a successful startup offers practical tips, real-world insights, and inspiration for those seeking to transform lab innovations into impactful solutions that achieve product-market fit.
Join us for this compelling episode as Dr Priya Perumal shares her remarkable path, the lessons she’s learned, and the strategies that have helped her succeed in both academia and the startup world.
Key Topics:
The transition from academia to a technology startup environment.
Balancing scientific curiosity with commercialisation demands.
Strategies for building a focused and collaborative team in a startup.
Differences in research approaches between university labs and startups.
Practical advice for researchers entering the sustainability sector.
Fostering transparency and trust with clients and investors.
Insights into gender diversity and leadership in engineering.
Chapter Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to Dr Priya Perumal and her roles
Transitioning from academia to startups; background on C2CA and sustainable concrete recycling.
05:00 - Comparing academia and startup life
Structured research versus goal-driven environments; managing uncertainties in startups.
12:00 - Building trust with clients and investors
The importance of transparency and realistic goal-setting in innovation.
20:00 - Leadership and collaboration in startups
Keeping teams focused on shared objectives while allowing exploration.
28:00 - The unique role of a Chief Scientific Officer
Bridging technology development, business development, and collaboration with researchers.
36:00 - Gender diversity and inclusivity in engineering
Priya’s experiences as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.
43:00 - Advice for researchers considering startups
Adapting to uncertainty, focusing on impact, and staying resilient.
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