Description

An honest conversation about what it takes to turn a scientific breakthrough into a growing company.

Following the launch of Innovation Forum Glasgow, Founders Unfiltered returns for a second discussion with founders, researchers and innovation leaders from across Scotland’s science and technology ecosystem.

This session moves beyond the initial idea to explore the messy middle of company building: validating a market, deciding when to pivot or persist, assembling a team, attracting investment, working with partners and maintaining momentum through uncertainty.

Experienced founders and ecosystem voices working across quantum, photonics, advanced engineering, applied AI and other science-led fields will share practical lessons—not polished success stories.

Who should attend?

• PhD students and postdoctoral researchers exploring entrepreneurship or careers beyond academia
• Early-stage founders and innovators building science-led ventures
• Researchers looking to translate ideas into real-world applications
• Investors, industry professionals, support organisations and other ecosystem partners
• Anyone interested in Scotland’s innovation and commercialisation landscape

What will you gain?

• Practical insight into difficult founder decisions
• A clearer view of the journey from research to commercial traction
• Lessons on validation, pivots, team-building, fundraising and partnerships
• Honest reflections on uncertainty, resilience and founder self-doubt
• Opportunities to connect across Scotland’s science and technology community

Whether you are exploring your first step into entrepreneurship or already building a venture, this event offers grounded insight, useful connections and an unfiltered view of what it takes to build beyond the breakthrough.