Guest speakers Johannes Pracher, an expert on start-up companies, and Yana Vereshchaga, a successful entrepreneur, provided exciting insight into the world of entrepreneurship, motivating and encouraging the participants to pursue their innovative ideas.

Johannes Pracher talked about the prerequisites to start a business, including creating a business plan, consulting with other experts to draw on areas you know less about, and be bold because starting a business can “get hard and dirty”.

Yana Vereshchaga encouraged the participants by sharing some of her personal experiences and talking about challenges such as funding, and work/life balance: “I don't work less now or earn more than during my academic career, on the contrary! But I am more independent and it is very rewarding to work on something that yields tangible results.”

The presentations were followed by a casual networking session and opportunities to talk and share experiences. Many of the junior female researchers indicated having innovative ideas but felt hesitant to create their own company. A workshop scheduled for spring 2025 will aim to put some of the ideas into concrete terms and talk with participants about overcoming inhibitions. The story will be continued!