In this series, we would like to showcase five startups, that have been selected for the third rendition of the Seoul-Basel Startup Hub Acceleration Program in November 2023. During the program, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sungjun Yoon, CEO of Fortuga Bio.
Q: The Seoul-Basel Programs exposes Korean startups to the local Basel ecosystem. When you reflect upon your learnings, what lessons / impressions do you take home to Korea?
"The most helpful aspect was to understand and learn how to approach our potential counterparts. I believe we have a better understanding now what these entities (pharma, investors, research groups) are interested in and how we should convey our message in the most efficient way. Investment interest or R&D project interest may vary between different countries or cultures; however, due to the multinational environment of the Basel biotech community, we were provided with a much more comprehensive perspective."
What’s your next step / activity in Basel?
"We will keep in contact with the institutions and companies we met during the program and further develop our ideas for potential collaboration and partnership. Although we cannot set specific terms or sign a contract within the two weeks given, we also have to understand that - especially for biotech - this is a time consuming process that may take weeks to even months to finalize. The most meaningful part is that we had the opportunity to plant the seeds for such collaborative projects with various entities around Europe."
What is one element of the program that you really appreciated?
"Various networking opportunities were, by far, the most helpful as well as the most unique element of the two weeks program. Diversity of the events prepared (from scientific seminar to gala dinner) gave us an opportunity to familiarize ourselves to such events that we would not be able to experience elsewhere."
Do you want to learn more about our Korea Program? Please get in touch with the Program Manager in charge, Hailey Kim.
About this series
In November 2023, the Korea-Basel Startup Hub Acceleration Program entered into its third rendition, welcoming five startups from Korea in the fields of oncology and immunology. During intense two weeks with workshops, industry-academia talks, networks and more, our participants were able to gain invaluable insights, forge meaningful connections, and acquire practical skills that will propel their enterprise in the future.