Biotech Decoded | Essential knowledge for non-scientists
'Biotech Decoded | Essential knowledge for non-scientists' is a concise, hands-on course designed for professionals without a biotechnology background who work in or with the biotech sector. The course explains the fundamentals of biotechnology, why it is unique, and how it shapes today’s major societal and industrial challenges. After this training, participants will better understand the biotech context of their organization and be able to perform their role more effectively within a biotech-driven environment.
Target audience
This course is designed for non-biotechnologists, such as:
• Professionals starting to work in a biotechnology company
• Professionals working in or with the biotech sector, including regulators, policy makers, investors, and business professionals
Course Characteristics
- Two modules of 3 hours each.
- In-person training in small groups (6–10 participants).
- Each module combines lectures with interactive discussions on current news and real-world cases.
- Topics are linked to participants’ professional contexts.
- Each module the participants will visit a biotech company located at Biotech Campus Delft.
Module I
Biotech Setting the Scene
Learning Objectives
After this module, participants will be able to:
- Describe what biotechnology is.
- Understand why biotechnology is important in addressing global challenges.
- Identify current applications of biotechnology related to planetary health and innovation.
- Recognize the business, innovation, and technology landscape of the biotech market.
Topics
- Definitions of biotechnology.
- Biotechnology domains with real-world examples.
- The biotech value chain: inputs (feedstocks), processes (cells), and products.
- The size of the biotech sector and key industry players.
- Microbial diversity, cells and cell components of industrial relevance.
- Current innovation areas in biotechnology.
- Societal impact: sustainability, GMO regulations, and consumer acceptance.
Module II
Biotech: Preparing for Market Introduction
Learning Objectives
After this module, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the main process steps involved in producing a biotech product
- Understand the technological steps from laboratory to pilot, demo, and commercial scale
- Identify the main cost drivers of a biotech product
- Identify the key drivers for successful market introduction
Topics
- Main steps in a biotech production process
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and scaling from technical to commercial scale
- The role of Techno-Economic Assessments (TEAs) in process development and scale-up
- The roadmap of a biotech innovation (Part I): TRLs and financing
- The roadmap of a biotech innovation (Part II): business framework, IP, regulation, policy, and market acceptance
Price
Standard price: €799 (excluding VAT)
Founding Partners of Planet B.io: 10% discount
€719 (excluding VAT)
Applicable to asr, dsm-firmenich, TU Delft, Municipality of Delft, Province of South Holland and InnovationQuarter
Planet B.io community members / tenants:
- 40% discount for one registration: €479 (excluding VAT)
- 50% discount for two registrations: €399 per person (excluding VAT)
Details
Dates & Time
• Friday, 27 March | 13:00 – 16:00
• Friday, 17 April | 13:00 – 16:00
Location
Beijerinck Center, Biotech Campus Delft
Instructor
Dr. Maria C. Cuellar
Maria C. Cuellar is a biotechnology professional with more than 20 years of experience in industrial biotechnology and innovation. Having held leadership positions in industry and academia, and worked with multinationals and start-ups, she now operates as independent consultant. Across her career, she has consistently translated complex biotechnology concepts into clear, relevant insights for non-technical audiences, making her an engaging and practical guide for this course.
Registration
Please register via the form below
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
