04.2025

On Friday, 4th April, Ventac Partners concluded its annual week-long ‘Build a Biotech’ program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. The week culminated with students presenting compelling business cases in elevator pitches to our initially skeptical and conference-weary investors.

Running since 2004, this was the 22nd edition of the program. We were once again highly impressed by the students’ performance.

The teams were tasked with converting 10 life sciences technology ‘invention disclosures’ into sound business propositions. All teams delivered work of a notably high standard, particularly during the last two days’ presentation sessions, including complex, but ultimately successful license negotiations for their startup companies (pictured).

Our congratulations go to the BI3018 students for their hard work, excellent teamwork, and positive approach throughout the intensive week.

Many thanks are extended to Professor Berit Johansen (NTNU Department of Biology) for collaborating with us to host and run the program alongside NTNU Technology Transfer AS. We also thank our fellow lecturers and supervisors for their valuable contributions: Knut J. Egelie, Hans-Christian Blom and Eivind Andersen (NTNU TTO), Helene Quie (Qmed Consulting A/S) and Haakon Thue Lie (Dehns). Participating for Ventac Partners were Mikael Oerum, Neil Thomas and Dennis Henriksen.

We offer this program in flexible formats (a full week or 2-3 days) for postgraduate or early-career professional groups. If you are interested in discussing bringing this program to your organization or location, please feel free to get in touch.