Interview with Professor Jack Pronk: About the Intersection of Academia and Entrepreneurship in Industrial Biotechnology

Jack Pronk is full professor in Industrial Microbiology and the head of the Biotechnology Department at TU Delft. His research focuses on understanding enhancing microbial performance in industrial processes by integrating quantitative physiology, genomics, synthetic biology, and evolutionary engineering. His team's work on yeast engineering for alcoholic fermentation and improving ethanol yields is applied on an industrial scale. Recently, he was awarded the prestigious Novonesis Biotechnology Prize (formerly Novozymes Prize), given annually since 2015 to recognise outstanding European research or technology achievements that contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable biotechnology solutions for the benefit of people and the planet. Planet B.io had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Pronk to discuss his views on entrepreneurship in industrial biotechnology.

Planet B.io: Based on your impressive career achievements, you seem very impact-driven, focusing on topics with clear industrial applicability. To create the biggest impact from biotech, should one be an academic or an entrepreneur?

Jack Pronk: “In my opinion, that's an impossible choice because both roles are needed. With CRISPR as a poster child for how transformative advances in biotechnology often come from fundamental, curiosity-driven research in academia. Such breakthroughs originate from the genuine curiosity of academic scientists. However, to transform these innovations into industrial applications with societal impact, we need entrepreneurial individuals or existing companies to drive the process. Both roles are indispensable. The academic provides the foundational knowledge and novel technologies, while the entrepreneur or industry brings these innovations to market, ensuring they make a real-world impact.”

In some countries, combining professorship and entrepreneurship is common. What's your view on that? 

“I haven't been part of a startup, but I've consulted for startups and new companies. At heart, I am an academic scientist who loves curiosity-driven research and is passionate about teaching. I admire and am inspired by colleagues who get actively involved in entrepreneurship, but they often have little time left for teaching and coaching students and PhD candidates. Additionally, wearing two hats can create conflicts of interest and compartmentalization issues. Although many manage this well and with integrity, I personally prefer to keep my roles distinct.”

Have you ever considered becoming an entrepreneur?

“There have been moments when I considered moving into industry or joining startups, but so far my academic inclinations always drew me back. The allure of teaching and mentoring PhD candidates was simply too strong. I also enjoy the freedom of academic research, which allows me to explore new ideas without the immediate pressure of commercial viability. I feel at home in the academic environment, but also love working together with industry.”

You've collaborated with many industrial partners. What insights have you gained from these experiences?

“Successful collaboration between academia and industry can be immensely enriching and fun. It's important to acknowledge and define the different objectives of both sides at the outset. Transparency is crucial. Trust is important, but it must be backed by clear agreements and contracts. Regularly evaluating progress and being clear on the scope and limitations of the collaboration are key. Personal compatibility with the type of collaboration is also crucial. Some thrive as consultants for multiple companies at the same time, while others, like myself, prefer closer, more focused collaboration with a relatively small number of companies.

I always advise academics who collaborate with industry to also remain engaged in research that is not directly tied to industry and to actively seek competitive funding to maintain their innovative edge. Industry collaborations require significant effort and shouldn't be seen as an easy source of funding.”

How can Planet B.io foster an entrepreneurial spirit among scientists and students at TU Delft?

“Role models, like the community members of Planet B.io, are essential to build a culture, at TU Delft and in the Netherlands, in which more students and early-career scientists see an entrepreneurial career as a realistic option. Seeing successful startups from our research inspires students. Our master's program in Life Science and Technology includes industrial internships, which can also be done in start-up companies. Initiatives like our Department’s Kluyver colloquia, to which Planet B.io-based scientists are invited, and meetings of our PI’s with Planet B.io colleagues help bridge academia and industry and, thereby, stimulate entrepreneurial thinking among students and researchers. Moreover, inviting successful entrepreneurs to share their journeys can provide valuable insights and inspiration.”

Should entrepreneurial training be part of the compulsory curriculum?

“I personally think it's more efficient to offer such training, as elective courses and internships, to those students who show interest in entrepreneurship rather than forcing it on everyone. I do think that, already early on in academic curricula, guest lectures by entrepreneurs can inspire students. For example, our study association LIFE organizes lunch lectures by speakers from industry – often alumni, which are also attended by first-year students. Introducing compulsory one-size-fits-all entrepreneurial courses might dilute our core goal to educate/train strong engineers and scientists.

I also think that, just like management skills, entrepreneurial skills are often better taught on the job with support from mentors and trainers rather than through theoretical courses in an academic programme. Practical experience in real-world settings is crucial. Mentorship programs, like those planned in the Biotech Booster initiative, can be more effective than classroom-based training.”

What are the most successful industrial biotech startups from TU Delft?

“I admire anyone who has the courage and vision to start a company. For me, success in such endeavours isn't necessarily about making millions but also about creating meaningful employment and making a positive impact, no matter the scale. Every startup that contributes to the economy, provides jobs, and brings new technologies to market is a success in its own right. It's essential to recognize the value of these contributions beyond financial metrics.”

If you were to start your own biotech company, what sector or product would you focus on?

“Ideally the company would contribute to combating climate change. In line with a core theme of our Department’s research, the focus might be on integrating industrial biotechnology into the energy transition, by directly or indirectly converting electrical power and CO2 into products traditionally made from fossil feedstocks. Another emerging topic I find fascinating is to apply microbes and enzymes for carbon dioxide capture. Perhaps these subjects do not offer the quickest path to financial success but an meaningful contribution can make a big difference.”

What are your tips and wishes for Planet B.io?

“My wish is clear and simple: I wish for Planet B.io to be a thriving biotechnology hub in Delft. My tip is to continue engaging with academia. Our team of 30 assistant, associate and full professors at the Biotechnology Department at TU Delft is motivated to explore options for collaboration and mutual support. Together we can significantly strengthen our activities, foster new innovations and inspire the next generation of biotechnologists, so let's please work together!”

Jack Pronk's insights highlight the vital interplay between academia and industry in advancing biotechnology. His passion for teaching and research, coupled with his realistic view on the challenges of combining academia and entrepreneurship, provides a comprehensive perspective on fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.

Editor’s note: In 2015, Jack Pronk teamed up with several international colleagues, both from the industrial and academic side, and wrote a commentary in Nature Biotechnology about working on the interface of academia and industry and how to make collaborations work. Still current and worth reading!