From Research Bench to Boardroom: How I Turned a Biotech Vision Into a Company

From Research Bench to Boardroom: How I Turned a Biotech Vision Into a Company

Science has always been my calling. From my earliest experiments with CRISPR gene editing in graduate school to publishing breakthrough papers in molecular diagnostics, my path has always been guided by curiosity and evidence. But somewhere along the way, between the pipettes and publications, I began to feel a different kind of urge—to apply what I’d learned in the real world.

It wasn’t that I stopped loving research. It was that I wanted to do more than publish—I wanted to commercialize. I wanted to solve problems not just on paper, but in clinics, hospitals, and manufacturing labs. I saw a gap between what was possible in biotechnology and what was accessible in practice. So I made a bold decision: to start my own biotech company.

The Catalyst: From Academic Researcher to Entrepreneur

It began with a small side project—a rapid assay kit I had developed to detect certain biomarkers in cancer patients. The prototype worked better than anticipated. Word spread, and a few industry colleagues asked if I’d consider licensing the tech. That sparked a new question: what if I didn’t license it out? What if I built the entire venture myself?

The thought was intimidating. I had no background in business, legal processes, or startup mechanics. But I knew the science. I had the data. I just needed a way to structure the idea as a legitimate company and protect the intellectual property.

Why I Formed an LLC—and Why I Chose InCorp.com

I quickly discovered that forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) was the best way to start. It gave me personal liability protection, allowed me to open a business bank account, and created a foundation for investment. I also knew I needed a registered agent—a requirement in most states—and began researching who could help.

InCorp.com stood out from the beginning. They offered a simple, streamlined way to form an LLC online. Their user interface made it easy for someone with zero legal training to file the right forms, choose a business name, and get confirmation fast.

Most importantly, they offered the best registered agent service I found that didn’t sacrifice quality. Their system keeps my business compliant, notifies me of legal notices, and eliminates the need to manage time-sensitive documents myself. In a field where every hour counts, that’s a huge win.

Building the Company: A Mission-Driven Biotech Startup

Once my LLC was formed, I launched **BioTrace Diagnostics**, a company focused on rapid, point-of-care molecular testing for oncology and infectious diseases. The mission was simple: reduce diagnostic turnaround from days to hours using scalable, affordable testing platforms.

I began by refining our first product, a proprietary nucleic acid detection kit. I secured a small grant, set up a temporary lab in a university innovation center, and onboarded two research assistants. Within six months, we had clinical validation trials underway and multiple pilot clients.

It was overwhelming. It was exhilarating. And it was absolutely worth it.

Growth Metrics: Year One of BioTrace Diagnostics

Here’s how the company evolved since I formed the LLC with InCorp.com:

Metric Month 1 6 Months 12 Months
Products Developed 1 prototype assay kit 3 diagnostic kits 6 validated kits + 2 in pipeline
Funding Raised $0 (bootstrapped) $180K (grants + seed) $1.2M (early-stage VC)
Team Size 1 founder 3 full-time staff 11 staff + 2 advisory board members
Monthly Revenue $0 (pre-market) $4,500 (pilot partnerships) $38,000+ (B2B sales)

The Role of InCorp.com in That Growth

It’s not glamorous, but administration matters. Filing reports. Staying compliant. Handling registered agent duties. With InCorp.com handling those essentials, I was free to focus on product development, investor relations, and scaling operations.

Every time I onboard a new investor or sign a clinical partnership, I’m thankful my business was structured correctly from day one. InCorp’s affordable pricing and automated reminders have kept my backend solid while my front-end innovation scaled fast.

For any scientist stepping into entrepreneurship, I recommend starting with InCorp. Their services are especially appealing if you’re seeking the cheapest registered agent service that’s still rock-solid in performance and support.

Advice for Other Biotech Founders

Many brilliant scientists hesitate to start businesses because they think business is the opposite of science. It’s not. In fact, science and entrepreneurship share the same fundamentals: hypothesis, experimentation, iteration, and data-driven decisions.

Here’s my advice:

  • Protect your IP early. File your LLC and secure NDA agreements before pitching your product.
  • Talk to customers as soon as possible. What works in the lab must meet real-world needs.
  • Don’t go it alone. Use platforms like InCorp.com to outsource admin work so you can focus on strategy.
  • Pitch like a scientist. Let the data speak. Investors love clarity and evidence, not fluff.
  • Stay mission-driven. Biotech can change lives—but only if you bring it out of the lab.

The Road Ahead

BioTrace is now preparing for FDA approval for one of our flagship kits and working with global NGOs on low-cost distribution in rural clinics. We’re also launching a collaborative accelerator for other science founders who want to start companies without leaving their passion behind.

Would I have believed this was possible three years ago? Maybe not. But one decision made it all real: forming my company.

And with InCorp.com supporting that foundation every step of the way, I’ve been able to pursue both scientific excellence and entrepreneurial growth.

If you’re a scientist with an idea—make it official, make it legal, and make it yours. The world needs what you’re building.