A decade of innovation

Dr Pahini Pandya, Co-founder and CEO of Panakeia
(PhD Cell and Molecular Biophysics, 2017)

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I've been a cancer researcher for the past decade, but while studying for my PhD at King’s, I had my own cancer scare.

I experienced first-hand the anxiety that patients and their families suffer when waiting for a cancer diagnosis because, although I was lucky enough not to have cancer, I had to wait over a month to get the all-clear.

The reason it takes so long is that once doctors know where the cancer is in your body, they usually need to take a biopsy. Then, they analyse microscopic images of the biopsy on a computer screen, looking for islands of cancer cells. Once cancer is found, several different lab tests are needed to be able to suggest the right course of treatment for the patient. These tests, often done at different labs, require many steps and are very time-consuming.

One of the best ways of beating cancer is by catching and treating the disease early on, so this long wait for a diagnosis became a problem I couldn’t look away from.

Tell us about your venture and what problem it is solving.

Panakeia created an AI-driven software platform that can provide pathologists with the biomarker information needed for diagnosis and treatment from the initial biopsy pictures in minutes – without needing the lab tests.

This allows clinicians to start making treatment decisions for their patients in days, as opposed to several weeks. It also costs a fraction of the price of the traditional method.

How did the Entrepreneurship Institute help you?

I wouldn’t be here without the Entrepreneurship Institute. Participating in the Idea Factory and winning the Enterprise Awards boosted my confidence to join the King's Start-up Accelerator, a 12-month programme that provides mentorship, venture growth support, and networking opportunities. The mentorship meetings were invaluable, helping me quickly find solutions to challenges that might have taken months or even years to figure out on my own.

Founding Panakeia, I realised how crucial early networks and financial support were to our success. The structured and targeted support provided by the programme was essential, especially in the early stages when resources and time are scarce, but the need for guidance is greatest.

What piece of advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?

Be persistent and biased towards action. More often than not, we don't do things because we have a fear of failing or getting rejected. But if you take the opportunity, the potential rewards can be far greater, so it’s worth a shot.

Leonardo Vizioli, Co-founder of CarbonTag
(BSc Philosophy, Politics & Economics, 2022)

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I met fellow entrepreneurs Marcia Holst and Jasper Döninghaus while studying Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) at King's. The business we went on to form together, CarbonTag, initially started as a climate label idea, which we came up with in our first year at King's. We won the School of Politics & Economics Policy Pitch Competition and went on to write the first-ever group dissertation in King's history on our idea and study.

Tell us about your venture and what problem it is solving.

The food industry is responsible for about 25-30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. But often companies are blind to the emissions of their products because there is no clear way to measure their carbon footprint.

We created a comprehensive, easy-to-use emissions analytics tool that uses science-backed and trustworthy data to help businesses swiftly assess all the factors - including processing, transportation and supply chain - that go into producing their products' emissions.

This approach empowers companies to take effective climate action and make changes to their business where necessary. They can also communicate this information to their consumers, allowing them to make well-informed and greener choices.

How did the Entrepreneurship Institute help you?

We took part in the King’s Start-up Accelerator.  The intensive structure was perfect for us, and having access to over 10 Experts-in-Residence meant we got tailored advice and mentorship.

The chance to tap into King’s Investor Network is also incredibly valuable. It’s not just about finding funding but also about connecting with people who genuinely understand and support what we’re trying to build. The programme’s emphasis on building connections and working closely with other entrepreneurs creates an environment where ideas can flourish, and partnerships can form organically. The collaborative atmosphere encourages us to share experiences, tackle challenges together, and celebrate successes as a team. 

What piece of advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?

Make sure you thoroughly understand the problem you're solving by proactively seeking out feedback early on – even if it feels uncomfortable. Engaging with potential customers, mentors and industry experts can provide invaluable insights and help refine your approach.

Be open to new things. You’re doing something new, and there’s no recipe you can follow.

Roxanne Stevenson-Brown - Founder of Find Care Compare
(MSc China and Globalisation, 2020; BSc (Hons) Political Economy, 2018)

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Having worked across the NHS in senior operational roles in cancer, neurosciences and technology, I have seen first-hand how information is rapidly becoming the most impactful social determinant of health.

There are huge discrepancies in waiting times and the accessibility of certain services, but, at the same time, countless services that can offer real value are undersubscribed simply because the public doesn't know they exist.

Unfortunately, I only saw this problem getting worse, and therefore knew I needed to do something. My becoming an entrepreneur came out of the desire to combat health system information inequality and empower patients with all the information they need to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare services in the UK.

Tell us about your venture and what problem it is solving.

The problem we’re seeking to solve is the huge (and growing) information gap between patients and the health system. Health inequalities are widening, and the inaccessibility of services is one of the key contributors.

Find Care Compare is a one-stop solution for finding and comparing NHS and private care services. We help patients find services that meet their needs based on waiting time, distance, price and language. I believe that if we can scale this up and provide high-quality information to the broader population, it will eradicate health inequalities.

How did the Entrepreneurship Institute help you?

The King's Start-up Accelerator has been instrumental in Find Care Compare’s success to date.

The most special thing is being part of a supportive and dynamic entrepreneurship community. I really value the kindness and generosity I have seen from fellow founders, as well as the Entrepreneurship Institute’s excellent communication of opportunities and championing of our ventures both internally and externally.

What piece of advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?

Always remember why you started.

Getting the balance right can be difficult - but, if you have a good strategy in place, anything is possible. Categorising and prioritising tasks in line with long-term strategic goals is a must.