In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, host Nehar Mortuza sits down with Rahmad Akbar, Senior Data Scientist in Antibody Design at Novo Nordisk. Rahmad shares his remarkable journey from his roots in Indonesia to his pivotal role at the forefront of machine learning-driven protein engineering. Together, they explore how AI is revolutionising antibody design — from the technical advances and current challenges to the growing role of generative models in creating next-generation therapeutics. Rahmad offers insights into how these technologies are accelerating drug discovery, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare. He also speaks candidly about his transition from academia to industry, the personal motivations that fuel his work, and why collaboration and innovation are more essential than ever in the life sciences. Whether you're passionate about biotech, data science, or career development, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives you won't want to miss.

Timestamp and Show notes:

00:38 Meet Our Special Guest: Rahmad Akbar

02:19 Rahmad's Journey: From Indonesia to Novo Nordisk

03:35 The Role of Coding in Biotechnology

04:45 Antibody Design: Challenges and Innovations

06:48 Generative AI in Drug Design

10:04 Future Trends and Democratizing AI

19:00 Personal Motivations and Career Reflections

24:31 Transitioning from Academia to Industry

29:47 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡

We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.

Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organised events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

In this episode, we take you inside the story of Mmimetika, a biotech venture co-founded by researchers Mogens Johannsen and Thomas Poulsen. What began as a bold university lab project has grown into a breakthrough company developing a compound that mimics some of the key health benefits of exercise and fasting.

By combining ketones and lactate in a single, novel molecule, Mmimetika's lactate | ketone non-medicinal supplement provides promising support for metabolic control and longevity.

We dive into their journey from academic discovery to commercial reality — securing patents, scaling production, attracting investors, and building a business team around their scientific vision.

Now on the cusp of regulatory approval, Mmimetika is actively searching for a dynamic CEO to lead the charge into market launch and long-term growth.

Whether you're curious about biotech entrepreneurship, metabolic health innovations, or how groundbreaking research turns into real-world solutions, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Shownotes and Timestamps

[00:00:00] Company Introduction

[00:01:12] Mimicking Exercise and Fasting

[00:04:08] Current Status and Journey

[00:05:54] Product Superiority and Development

[00:08:13] Competition and IP

[00:10:18] Funding and Investor Relations

[00:11:17] Technical Aspects of the Product

[00:13:00] Clinical Evidence and Scientific Approach

[00:14:22] Non-Medical Claims

[00:15:29] Market Focus and Positioning

[00:17:58] Roadmap and Milestones

[00:21:22] Organizational Structure and Key Risks

[00:23:00] CEO Transition and Future Roles

[00:25:04] Company Culture and CEO Profile

[00:27:26] Soft Skills and Ideal Timing for CEO

[00:29:42] How Listeners Can Support

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Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

In this episode, we sit down with Janine Erler, CEO, and Lluís Riera Ponsati, Program Lead at NEUmiRNA Therapeutics to discuss their groundbreaking work in developing disease-modifying RNA therapies for neurological disorders.

From their startup journey to the intricate science behind their therapies, the conversation spans key milestones, technology challenges, and the unique patient-focused culture at Neumirna.

Janine and Lluís share insights on their successful fundraising, the impact of their microRNA-based approach, and the practical aspects of going from academic research to clinical applications.

They also discuss the organizational dynamics, collaborations, and future aspirations of the company, making this a compelling listen for any life sciences professional interested in the transformative potential of RNA therapies.

Show notes & Timestamp

00:43 Introducing Neumirna Therapeutics

02:10 Founding Story of Neumirna

03:29 Key Milestones and Team Growth

06:50 Challenges and Collaborations

15:23 Technology Behind Neumirna's RNA Therapies

23:19 Focus on Neurological Diseases

24:57 Exploring the Potential of ASO Technology

25:26 The Future of RNA Therapies

27:44 Navigating Regulatory Challenges

28:37 Team and Culture at Neumirna

35:23 Hiring and Onboarding at Neumirna

37:36 Proud Moments and Achievements

43:02 Immediate Priorities and Challenges

44:43 Connecting with the Community

45:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡

We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.

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Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar Mortuza looks into the dynamic world of life sciences with special guest Mikkel Skovborg, Vice President at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Mikkel shares his journey from academia to industry and discusses the foundation’s mission to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research. He highlights key initiatives like the Bio Innovation Institute (BII) and public-private partnerships that aim to enhance the life science ecosystem in Denmark and beyond. The conversation covers the impact of regulatory challenges, the promise of emerging technologies such as quantum computing and gene cell therapy, and the importance of global talent and collaborations. Mikkel also provides insights on the evolving landscape of life sciences, offering advice to aspiring professionals and reflecting on the lessons learned throughout his career.

Timestamps:

00:45 | Introducing Our Guest – Mikkel Skovborg

01:36 | Career Journey & Influences – From Academia to Industry

04:15 | The Mission & Impact of the Novo Nordisk Foundation

07:22 | Challenges & Opportunities in the Life Science Sector

14:03 | Denmark’s Role as a Hub for Startups & Talent

16:19 | Personal Insights & Reflections from Mikkel Skovborg

19:20 | Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡

We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.

Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼

(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)

Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

Guests: Susanne Palsten Buchardt (Incoming CEO) & Henrik Busch‑Larsen (Founder, former CEO at Algiecel)

Episode in a Tweet

When a founder steps aside, how do you keep the vision alive? Hear how Algiecel is turning a CEO hand‑over into rocket fuel for growth — while scaling microalgae tech that captures CO₂ and feeds the world.

What You’ll Learn

• How Algiecel’s photo‑bioreactor technology converts industrial CO₂ into high‑value microalgae ingredients.

• The behind‑the‑scenes playbook for planning a smooth CEO succession.

• Why trust, transparent communication, and role clarity made the hand‑over a win‑win.

• Susanne’s journey from strategy consultant to CCO to CEO—and Henrik’s new focus on partnerships & investment.

• Actionable advice for founders preparing their own succession road‑map.

00:00 Intro – Welcome & episode set‑up

02:04 Algiecel’s Mission & Tech – Microalgae, CO₂ utilisation, and photo‑bioreactors

04:45 Origin Story – Henrik’s eco‑vision and the company’s early pivots

09:08 Why Succession & Why Now? – Spotting the right moment for change

12:56 From CCO to CEO – Susanne’s growth path and leadership style

16:05 Building the Dream Team – Diversity, healthy debate, and shared values

21:10 Board & Investor Alignment – Governance during leadership change

22:40 Redefining Roles – Henrik’s shift to partnerships & thought leadership

25:02 Stakeholder Communications – Keeping customers & partners in the loop

30:12 Founders’ Advice – Mentorship, self‑awareness, and planning ahead

36:47 Future Road‑map – Scaling tech, funding, and global impact

38:50 Lightning Round & Wrap‑up – Quick takes and final thoughts

Resource Mentioned:

• • Unibio – Single‑cell protein pioneers
  • BioInnovation Institute (BII) – Life‑science venture lab

• 
  

• Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡

  We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.

  Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼

  
  

  (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)

  
  

  Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

  We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
  Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen, CEO of Amplify Therapeutics and a seasoned entrepreneur in the life science startup world, joins Søren for an in-depth conversation about building healthy company culture in high-pressure environments.

Drawing on over 15 years of experience—including his pivotal role at Orphazyme, where he contributed to the development and FDA approval of a groundbreaking rare disease treatment (now part of Zevra Therapeutics through acquisition)

The discussion explores how to foster trust-based, high-performance cultures, with a focus on psychological safety, clear communication, competence mapping, and managing the organizational challenges that come with growth. Thomas reflects on his leadership style, the importance of understanding personal strengths and blind spots, and the tools and systems he uses to shape team culture intentionally.

Thomas shares practical insights on when to begin deliberately cultivating culture, how Amplify Therapeutics approaches team dynamics, and the key lessons he’s learned from leading in both startup and scale-up phases.

The conversation also touches on milestones in team development and R&D, and Thomas’s vision for the company’s future.

This episode is especially relevant for startup leaders and life science professionals interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and building strong, sustainable teams in complex, high-stakes environments.

Timestamp and Shownotes:

00:43 – Thomas’s Journey in Biotech

02:04 – Deep Dive into Amplify Therapeutics

06:53 – The Birth of Amplify Therapeutics

16:40 – Building a Healthy Startup Culture

34:23 – Specialization and Responsibility Shifts

35:33 – Leadership and Organizational Growth

38:05 – Competence Mapping and Skills Assessment

39:33 – Trust and Communication in Teams

45:22 – Balancing Fast Decisions with Thoughtfulness

52:28 – Reflections on Achievements and Culture

55:18 – Advice for First-Time CEOs

56:43 – Future Challenges and Opportunities

58:15 – Support and Career Opportunities

01:02:39 – The Reality of Working in Biotech

Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡

We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes.

Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼

(It's also ok to invite yourself 😉)

Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem

We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach