️ **From Lab Scientist to MedTech Founder at 22****Starting a PhD While Launching a Startup and Turning Discovery Into Real-World Diagnostics**How does a 22-year-old STEMM graduate go from the lab to co-founding a Medtech startup? Dharmica shares how she co-founded BCAL Diagnostics while starting her PhD, using her thesis to validate a product rather than pursue pure academia. it’s a roadmap for turning your research into impact, especially if you’re a scientist wondering what else your skills can do.If you’re a STEMM professional thinking about founding a deep tech company—or just looking to make your next move more entrepreneurial—this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn:How to turn a lab discovery into a viable business—even if you’re still early in your careerWhy a PhD can be a commercialization pathway—not just an academic oneHow to validate, fund, and pitch a deep-tech idea with no business backgroundHow to build confidence and credibility in business as a scientist—without an MBAThe practical steps to move from research bench to boardroom (and how to fund it)How to navigate identity, credibility, and investor rooms as a young woman in STEMM **About the Guest:**Dr. Dharmica Mistry is a medtech entrepreneur and microbiologist who co-founded BCAL Diagnostics at just 22. Her early work led to a blood-based diagnostic test for early breast cancer detection. Since then, she’s held leadership roles in deep tech and innovation, including as Head of Medtech & Biotech at Cicada Innovations and now Director of Diagnostics Industry Engagement at MTPConnect. Dharmica is a vocal advocate for equitable innovation and increasing women’s visibility in STEMM commercialization.--- **Episode Highlights:*** 00:00 From olive oil to blood diagnostics: a scientist's accidental breakthrough* 03:00 What is MTPConnect and how it shapes Australia’s diagnostic sector* 08:00 Turning a biotech job into a PhD and startup foundation* 11:00 Founding BCAL Diagnostics while doing a PhD at 22* 18:00 Killer experiments, clinical validation, and strategic pivots* 24:00 Bringing deep science into clinical practice—barriers and bridges* 29:00 How incubators and commercialization training programs changed everything* 34:00 Moving beyond the “scientist” label and building a boardroom voice* 40:00 Crafting a deep-tech pitch that works—from KOLs to investors* 44:00 Funding realities: early-stage capital, personal risk, and resilience* 52:00 Regulatory challenges and how to plan for exit (or scale) from day one Resources Mentioned:BCAL Diagnostics – Official WebsiteDr. Dharmica Mistry on LinkedInMTPConnect – Diagnostics Industry EngagementCicada Innovations – Deep Tech IncubatorFranklin Women – STEMM Visibility Initiative Reflection Time:Could your research idea become a product? What’s your “killer experiment” to validate or kill it fast?Are you stuck in the scientist box? How can you shift your network and brand to be perceived differently?What’s one skill—from pitching to regulatory pathways—you could upskill in this month?Want to craft a career story that opens doors?I help STEMM professionals speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose and show up as thought leaders —so the right opportunities find you. Let’s connect: angeliquegreco.com.au | LinkedIn  ⭐️ Help More People Reinvent Their CareersIf you enjoyed this episode, please:✅ Leave a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ♻️ Share it with a friend who's questioning their path in STEM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.