Describe Ladan Bio in one sentence….
LadonBio is a team of curious, meticulous scientists united by one mission: to make p53 protein measurements more precise and reliable for cancer researchers worldwide.
What's your inspiration?
With an estimated $350 million wasted annually on irreproducible research, we saw an urgent need for better tools. Drawing on our combined expertise in molecular biology and synthetic chemistry, we’ve developed the world’s first ‘designer,’ well-defined p53 protein library. We’re excited to share this with the research community and transform it into a powerful diagnostic resource.
Why did you decide to enter the Entrepreneurship Institute's Idea Factory Competition?
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of becoming a biotech entrepreneur. During my research degree at King’s, I realised my work had the potential to create real societal impact, and I saw entrepreneurship as the most effective way to bring it to life. Idea Factory stood out as a space filled with like-minded people and offered a way to test ideas through a business lens. It turned out to be a perfect decision - I gained confidence, clarity, and sharpened my pitch delivery skills thanks to the fantastic sessions with Jenna.
How did you build your team in preparation for the competition?
Our team began with me and my PhD mentor - we co-developed and executed the research behind the venture. While our strengths were rooted in science, we were eager to learn about venture building and explore how to turn our research into a meaningful commercial application.
What's your competition highlight?
The pitch night. That electric mix of stage adrenaline and insightful feedback from the judges was incredible. Seeing so many inspiring pitches confirmed that I was in the right place, at the right time. The experience solidified my belief that entrepreneurship is not just for business professionals - it’s a path open to scientists, too.
How did Idea Factory help you move your idea forward?
Winning gave us real momentum. It boosted my confidence in conversations with potential customers and helped validate our idea. Most importantly, it gave us the credibility to pursue further grant funding, which we’re now using to conduct critical quality control experiments - exactly what our customers wanted to see.
One piece of advice for future Idea Factory participants?
No matter your background, if you believe there’s a market for your product or service - go for it. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of building something of your own. And to my fellow scientists: entrepreneurship isn’t just for business school students. It’s for you, too!
What’s next for you and your venture?
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been invited to interview for the King’s Spinout Accelerator. We’re also preparing to launch reagent sales, which will allow us to gather valuable traction data and better understand our customers’ needs.