As I approach the halfway point in my PhD, the question about what to do after graduate school is becoming more pressing. My decision is between pursuing my academic research further, or taking an entrepreneurial path. The choice may ultimately depend on the success of my research — altering the catalytic properties of enzymes, an important aspect in biocatalysis. If my experiments succeed, they may open academic doors; if not, there are other options that I would like to explore, such as founding a company.

The entrepreneurial bug comes from friends and colleagues who have started their own businesses. This was particularly endemic before the bubble burst two years ago, but Switzerland still seems to have the right spirit and infrastructure for biotech to thrive. I can envisage setting up a company here with similarly motivated people.

Starting a company requires further skills in addition to the chemistry and biology with aspects of physics that my research involves. So I have not only had to go back to school, but I am also learning to communicate with people from other disciplines who have expertise in different topics to me. I am sure this experience will be of use in the future — regardless of the choice I make when I finish my PhD.