EP4 | From academia to a successful startup in India: Vijay

April 7, 2025

Successful startup in India

In this episode of Mentor Konnect, we are honored to host Dr. Vijay Chandru, Founder & Director of Strand Life Sciences and Commissioner at the Lancet Citizen’s Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System.

A visionary academic entrepreneur, Dr. Chandru seamlessly transitioned from academia to building one of India’s pioneering biotech startups. His journey underscores the power of interdisciplinary research, resilience, and the ability to adapt across fields.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Balancing academia and entrepreneurship—how professors can start companies.
✔️ A cricket-inspired perspective on careers: innings matter!
✔️ The importance of interdisciplinary research in driving innovation.
✔️ Switching disciplines means learning from the best—networking is key.
✔️ Most entrepreneurs start later in life, when they can take calculated risks.

💡 Key Questions Answered:
1️⃣ How do you start your own startup?
2️⃣ How can you successfully transition between disciplines?
3️⃣ How do you find the right advisor?
4️⃣ Why do companies hire PhDs?

📌 Connect with Vijay Chandru on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijaychandru/

📺 Watch Now: https://youtu.be/YtWbfleFOfY

🔖 #MentorKonnect #AcademicEntrepreneurship #Startups #Biotech #InterdisciplinaryResearch #CareerGrowth #phdlife

About Mentor Konnect

🎓 Inspiring Minds. Connecting Journeys.

Mentor Konnect is a storytelling and mentorship series by BioPatrika, designed to bridge the gap between aspiring scientists, professionals, and accomplished leaders across diverse fields—spanning biotech, physics, academia, industry, and beyond.

Each episode features an in-depth conversation with a trailblazer who shares personal career journeys, pivotal mentorship moments, challenges faced, and the mindset needed to navigate growth and transitions.

Whether you’re a student, researcher, postdoc, or industry professional, Mentor Konnect offers a unique blend of wisdom, warmth, and real-world guidance to help you carve your own path with confidence.