History of the BEI program

The BioEntrepreneurship & Innovation (BEI) program was established in 2016 within the Institute for Regenerative Medicine • IREM with the goal of bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and entrepreneurial ventures in biotech, medtech, and digital health. Inspired by the MIT Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, the program equips MD/PhD+ participants with the skills to transform scientific discoveries into viable business solutions.

A key focus of the BEI program is to provide support for navigating the "valley of death"—the critical phase where many promising ideas struggle to transition from the laboratory to the market. We guide participants through this challenging process, offering practical tools, mentorship, and industry connections to help them bring their innovations from bench to bedside successfully.

The BEI program continues to receive full support from IREM, providing access to cutting-edge resources and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, through our affiliation with the Life Science Zurich Graduate School (LSZGS), we are able to award ECTS credits, reinforcing our commitment to developing the next generation of bioentrepreneurs who will lead innovation in the life sciences.

At the BioEntrepreneurship & Innovation (BEI) program, we believe that groundbreaking innovation in biotech, medtech, and digital health stems from the collaboration of diverse minds. To inspire our MD/PhD+ participants, we embrace the 3H principle: Hipster, Hustler, and Hacker.

The Hipster: The creative visionary who brings a fresh perspective to the table. In the world of biotech and digital health, the Hipster ensures that innovative ideas are not only functional but also user-centered and forward-thinking. They make sure the solution is designed with the end user in mind, creating products that are both impactful and accessible.

The Hustler: The business-minded strategist who makes things happen. The Hustler bridges the gap between innovation and market success, identifying opportunities, forming partnerships, and driving the commercialization of new technologies. They ensure that the vision becomes a reality in the marketplace, navigating the path to growth and scalability.

The Hacker: The technical expert who brings ideas to life. With a deep understanding of science and technology, the Hacker solves complex problems and transforms concepts into tangible solutions. In the medtech and biotech fields, they turn cutting-edge research into real-world applications, leveraging their skills to push the boundaries of possibility.

In the BEI program, we encourage teams to harness the power of these three roles. When the creativity of the Hipster, the expertise of the Hacker, and the drive of the Hustler come together, the results can be truly transformative.