Dr. Georgios's story
A medical researcher and business founder since 2016.
Introducing Georgios
Georgios graduated from our Molecular Microbiology MRes in 2015. He received a START UP Foundership to develop and launch his business, Great North Research and Innovation (GNRI) in 2016.
Great North Research and Innovation creates dynamic and innovative biotech solutions that generate impact. For healthcare providers, for clinicians and for patients.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I established Great North Research and Innovation because we needed a commercial entity. To collaborate with other organisations and commercial partners across the country. Our work began to create a test that would help diagnose sepsis and make treatment easier. The project was academic research. But to drive research forward, you often need funding from commercial entities and enterprises. These organisations are more inclined to invest in a business than in an individual. This helps give their investment safeguards, so it reaches the intended purpose.
How did you decide to start your own business?
I work in neonatal intensive care units and sepsis is one of the main reasons for babies coming in. Babies' immune systems are still immature so they can’t fight infections as well as adults. When they have an infection, they usually deteriorate quickly, within hours. They need a lot of care if they have an infection so that we can prevent it from turning into sepsis. The current available tests take a very long time to tell us if there is an infection or sepsis and what is their cause.
How did START UP Founderships help you?
START UP Founderships allowed me to tap into a lot of expertise. I was given lab space and funding to do the first set of experiments required for the project. I was also put in contact with people that know my business area, to utilise their knowledge. It was a greatly valuable package. It also helped me to develop my business skills. My background is in medicine, so I don’t have any commercial experience. I could see that my way of thinking was different from someone who has had experience in business. Founderships gave me a clear understanding of the commercial side of the project.
What advice would you give for starting a new business?
Always listen. Listen to the advice. Think about how your project stands among other projects in the market or in development. It’s not wise to take a route that would not lead you anywhere as this would be a waste of time. It is better to invest your time in something that is really going to make a difference.