At Activate, we know that breakthrough science alone isn’t enough to create lasting impact; it also takes a shift in mindset. For scientists and engineers considering startups as a path to scale their ideas, developing a science entrepreneur mindset is just as critical as the skills and knowledge you need. The mindsets we cultivate at Activate and focus on in our Fellowship program help researchers step confidently into the role of founder, translating deep tech innovation into real-world solutions. We hope they’ll help you imagine what this journey could look like for you.
Create Value
Creating value by solving problems for customers and partners is more important than advancing science.
Why it matters: Individuals with this mindset focus on solving meaningful problems for customers and partners, actively seeking ways for their technology to make a tangible difference. They regularly monitor the market to align their work with pressing opportunities and customer needs, and they’re open to refining their value proposition based on new insights. They seek to create industry-ready prototypes and to explore potential commercial agreements with partners.
“In the past, I believed that advancing science was more important than solving problems for customers and partners. But over time, my perspective has shifted. I’ve come to realize that running a business means creating real value for customers and partners, and that has to take priority. Scientific progress is still important, but it’s the ability to solve meaningful, real-world problems that ultimately determines whether my company can survive and succeed. I need to stay close to real customer needs and market feedback.”
- Activate Fellow
