Biotechnology Entrepreneurship

The life sciences are one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors of the economy – offering exciting opportunities to drive meaningful change in society. Biotechnology has the potential to reshape industries and improve lives on a global scale – from advancing healthcare solutions to combating climate change and ensuring food security. As the world faces a growing, ageing population, environmental crises and resource limitations, the role of biotechnology in finding solutions has never been more critical.

For emerging entrepreneurs in biotechnology, gaining the essential business skills to translate groundbreaking discoveries into real-world applications is key to unlocking their future potential. This unique eight-week course is designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial success, empowering professionals working in the life sciences and biotechnology to seize life-changing opportunities across sectors including healthcare, agrifood and environmental sustainability.

Experienced University of Cambridge biotechnology entrepreneurs will guide you every step of the way – drawing on real-world examples to help you identify, develop and evaluate business opportunities, secure the right funding and protect your ideas through intellectual property.

Over the eight weeks, you will learn how to value your company and craft compelling business plans that capture the attention of potential investors and persuade customers. These plans will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through the pathway to success in the business world. By mastering these essential skills, you’ll be equipped with the tools to take your innovative ideas and transform them into market-ready products that have the power to change lives.

Trailer with audio description (Opens in a new window)

This course equals 64 hours of the CPD Certification Service(Opens in a new window) time.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the biotech market, focusing on sectors like pharmaceuticals, agri-biotech, medical devices and digital healthcare. Through real-world examples, you’ll examine market needs, trends, technology and regulatory considerations as well as explore the importance of intellectual property protection, strategies for raising investment, company valuation and partnership development. You’ll also learn to create your own detailed business plan, considering market drivers, competition and financial strategies, with expert guidance along the way from experienced biotech entrepreneurs.

• Module 1: Biotechnology overview and the pharmaceutical and agri-biotech sectors

• Module 2: The medical devices, wellness devices and digital healthcare sectors

• Module 3: Intellectual property and introduction to patents

• Module 4: Raising finance and joint partnerships

• Module 5: Company valuation

• Module 6: Creating a business plan

• Module 7: Analysing business plans

• Module 8: Course conclusion

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• summarise the key biotechnology sectors based on the need and commercial landscape

• evaluate existing and emerging biotechnologies with a focus on unmet needs, the innovation underpinning a development and the commercial viability of a new development

• compare existing and emerging technologies between the key biotechnology sectors

• design a business plan for a new biotechnology opportunity with consideration of IP, regulation, raising finance, joint ventures and exit strategies.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge, along with valuable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping future-proof your career.

This course is designed for professionals working in bioscience and life sciences, including but not limited to:

• Biotechnology specialists: Ideal for those seeking to enhance commercial understanding.

• Stakeholders involved in technology innovation: Perfect for people looking to explore new opportunities.

• Scientists and analysts working in biotherapeutics and bioinformatics: Suited to professionals eager to expand their business knowledge.

• Medical device developers and medical technologists: Designed for those aiming to bridge the gap between science and market success.

• Pharmaceutical and agrifood scientists: Ideal for people interested in commercialising breakthroughs and helping to tackle to global challenges.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Our online learning model is designed to help you advance your skills and specialise in emerging areas that address real-world challenges. We will help you build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics and fellow learners.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. There is an optional weekly live session, which is recorded for anyone who can’t attend. The assessment criteria will be presented to you at the start of the course, so you can approach your studies with confidence and motivation, knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how to meet those expectations.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.

You can ask for support from your employer to fund this learning as part of your professional development.

Our Employer Funding guide (Opens in a new window)has practical tips and templates to help you feel more confident asking for funding.

If your employer is funding your course or programme, we have several payment options available, including bank transfer (BACs), credit or debit card, and PayPal.

You can request a quote or an invoice for your organisation via our online course booking form, which will include a payment date and next steps for completing your payment.