Rajat Pandey

PROFILE

I am an accomplished biomedical scientist and innovation strategist with a PhD in Biotechnology and over 11 years of experience at the intersection of scientific research and business development. My career has been dedicated to identifying and translating cutting-edge science into impactful healthcare solutions, bridging early-stage innovation with industry needs.

With extensive experience in early drug discovery, external innovation, and partnership management, I have successfully led projects that foster collaborations between academia, biotech startups, and deep tech companies. My ability to evaluate emerging scientific opportunities, coupled with strategic insight into commercialization, allows me to effectively scout, assess, and develop novel solutions . I thrive in cross-disciplinary environments, where I can connect scientific excellence with corporate strategy, ensuring the alignment of innovative research with industry goals.

 Beyond science, I bring strong project management expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, and a deep understanding of the R&D ecosystem. My passion lies in driving initiatives that enable early innovation to transition into viable solutions. ultimately shaping the future of scientific advancement.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Consultant | Nordic Innovators

May 2020 – Present | Copenhagen, Denmark

·     Developed and managed key partnerships and alliances to drive strategic initiatives such as the world’s first artificial cornea, novel glioblastoma treatment, development of tissue-specific mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine.

·     Extensive experience of working across cultures and time zones while maintaining strong, productive stakeholder relationships.

·     Advised biotech and pharmaceutical firms on securing EU funding and strategic partnerships.

·     Conducted market and competitive landscape analysis, supporting financial roadmaps for innovation-driven companies.

·     Assessed novel therapeutics and platform technologies, guiding investment and collaboration decisions based on scientific validity, market potential, and strategic fit.

·     Secured funding (€ 175mn) through grants, equity financing, and investor partnerships.

Innovation Consultant | Innovayt

July 2018 – April 2020 | Copenhagen, Denmark

·     Assisted companies in securing over €17 million funding through investment proposals.

·     Built and nurtured stakeholder relations while refining business plans and financial projections for startups and scale-ups.

·     Led collaborative initiatives between grant/equity teams and external clients, fostering innovation and raising funds for deep tech projects.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist | Instituto Superior Técnico

2016 – 2018 | Lisbon, Portugal

·     Conducted biotech and bioprocess optimization research, securing funding for early-stage R&D.

·     Led grant applications and stakeholder communications for research commercialization.

·     Awarded Erasmus Mundus fellowship

Research Scientist | Jubilant Drug Discovery Centre

2007 – 2010 | Bengaluru, India

·     Developed drug discovery strategies, optimized protein structures, and analyzed molecular interactions.

·     Contributed to investor-facing reports detailing pharmaceutical R&D advancements.

EDUCATION

 Ph.D - Technical University of Lisbon |2010 – 2016

Awarded Erasmus mundus fellowship.

 Master of Technology – Bio Engineering - VIT, Vellore, India |2005 – 2007

·       Part of the anti-osteoporotic and anti-retro viral drug discovery programs at Central drug research institute, India

 Bachelor of Technology - Genetic Engineering - AAIDU, India |2001 – 2005

ACHIEVEMENTS & IMPACT

• Scouted and evaluated over 50+ high-potential biotech and academic projects, leading to strategic collaborations and funding decisions.

• Secured and managed multi-million-euro funding projects, supporting early-stage R&D and startup commercialization efforts.

• Led outreach and engagement efforts with global research institutions and startup incubators, building a strong network of scientific and industry leaders.

• Developed strategic investment roadmaps, facilitating the transition of early-stage technologies into viable pharmaceutical assets.