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More Than Just a Continuation of Academic Research: A Startup Requires a Shift in Perspective

How does a good scientific idea become a real-world innovation instead of staying stuck in the lab? Dr. Nicolas Krink explored this question in his October 1 presentation "From Invention to Innovation: Creating Real-World Impact and Securing Funding" at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT). As Program Lead at SPRIND (Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations), Krink focuses on funding innovations "that have the potential to fundamentally improve our lives." In the "LIT goes industry" lecture series, he addressed the critical steps from invention to application, the common obstacles, and how to secure funding and industry partnerships.

Get more information about SPRIND (Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations)

  • Date Published

    October 8, 2026

A Short Interview with Dr. Nicolas Krink, Program Lead at SPRIND GmbH

“Innovation originates in the mind and begins with people. We need clear visions, a mission derived from them, and research that consistently contributes to achieving them.”

Why do so many good scientific inventions get stuck in the lab — and what does it take for them to become real innovations?

First, we must distinguish between invention and innovation: An invention only becomes an innovation when it is actually put to use and creates added value. A scientifically exciting idea alone is not enough for this — it takes people with a clear idea of which problem they want to solve and for whom. Innovation therefore begins in the mind and in a compelling vision. For me, “use-inspired research” means conducting research based on this vision and combining scientific discovery with a clear goal for future application.

Where does the path from invention to application become particularly rocky: in research, in funding, or in collaboration with industry?

It becomes particularly challenging when the necessary shift in perspective fails to materialize and scientists view a startup as a continuation of their academic research. A company must develop a solution based on these findings — one that is needed, functions reliably, and is economically viable. This requires different priorities, additional skills, and a willingness to test one’s own idea against reality. Funding and industry partnerships are crucial — but they cannot replace this shift in perspective.

How do you convince funding agencies and industry partners that a research idea is not only scientifically exciting but also has the potential to make a real impact?

It all starts with a clear vision: What do we want to change, for whom, and what difference would that make? “Use-inspired research” aligns scientific work with this goal and connects fundamental questions of knowledge with a concrete need. This need must be verified: through market research, discussions with potential users — in the medical field, particularly with patients and clinicians — as well as a thorough understanding of existing solutions and competitors. The idea becomes compelling when you also incorporate critical perspectives, validate assumptions, and identify clear milestones on the path to application. My most important message remains: Think big — envision a grand vision and map out the path to it with solid, well-founded steps.