In 2025, the world of biotechnology continues to merge cutting-edge science with entrepreneurial innovation. Few stories shine as brightly as that of Dr. Anindya Roy, a scientist who transformed his humble beginnings in rural India into an inspiring journey of turning “science fiction” into groundbreaking drug candidates. In this article, we’ll explore his fascinating path, his role in advancing biotech, the lessons entrepreneurs can learn from his story, and some practical steps to thrive in this space, an analysis framed through the unique entrepreneurial lens of Violetta Bonenkamp, a serial entrepreneur well-versed in innovation across industries like AI, education, and blockchain.
The Spark of Innovation: A Journey From Obscurity to Excellence
Dr. Anindya Roy’s story begins in rural India, in a region where running water and electricity were luxuries beyond reach. From this starting point of hardship, his passion for science was ignited, setting the stage for his remarkable academic achievements.
After earning degrees from the University of Calcutta and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Roy arrived in the U.S. in 2008 with only two suitcases and $2,000 in his pocket. He pursued his PhD at Arizona State University (ASU), focusing on protein engineering. It was at ASU that he pioneered research into the sustainable engineering of proteins, setting the foundation for his career in biotech.
Building Lila Biologics: From the Lab to Market
Fast-forward to 2023, Roy co-founded Lila Biologics, a biotech startup that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite the discovery of next-generation therapeutics. By 2025, Lila Biologics had achieved major milestones, including a partnership with Eli Lilly to develop cancer therapies and raising $10 million in venture capital. Their flagship platforms focus on:
- Targeted radiotherapy proteins – Brushstrokes of AI-driven precision that bind to tumors and deliver therapeutic payloads.
- Long-acting injectables – Medicines that hedge against frequent dosages by offering prolonged release cycles.
Entrepreneurial Insights: Lessons from Roy’s Story
As entrepreneurs, what can we extract from Roy’s inspiring climb? Here’s what Violetta Bonenkamp highlights as key takeaways:
1. Start with Resourcefulness, Not Resources
Roy’s success wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. He leveraged his education and boldness to reach out to science leaders like Dr. David Baker. This emphasizes a leadership truth: your network is your net worth.
2. Choose the Right Collaborators
Roy’s partnership with Jake Kraft, his co-founder at Lila Biologics, underscores the importance of finding co-founders whose vision complements yours. No entrepreneur is an island. As Bonenkamp learned in founding CADChain, multidisciplinary teams amplify long-term success.
3. Marry Science and Business Early
Roy’s ability to commercialize protein engineering research is a reminder that scientific genius is incomplete without entrepreneurial application. Too often, technical innovators hesitate to enter markets. “Being an impact-driven entrepreneur means finding the right path to scale your knowledge into real-world utility,” says Bonenkamp.
4. Leverage AI and New Tech Trends
AI is transforming industries, and biotech is no exception. Startups that incorporate AI and machine learning are better positioned to disrupt entrenched sectors. Similar to CADChain’s blockchain approach to IP security, Lila’s tech reinforces its clinical edge.
5. Embrace Global Collaboration
Roy’s dual exposure to India and the U.S. highlights the power of cross-border knowledge exchange. Entrepreneurs must think globally while acting locally, tapping into diverse ecosystems.
Data-Driven Proof of Impact
Why should entrepreneurial visionaries care about biotech or emulate Roy’s model? Consider these metrics:
- According to Statista, the global biotechnology market is predicted to hit $2.44 trillion by 2028, driven by innovations in AI, gene therapy, and protein engineering.
- A Deloitte report noted that companies embracing AI-biotech collaboration experienced 32% faster drug discovery cycles compared to traditional methods.
Roy’s approach aligns with these trends, positioning Lila Biologics as a key player in the emerging AI-biotech ecosystem.
How Entrepreneurs Can Launch Biotech-Inspired Startups
Drawing lessons from Roy’s journey, Violetta Bonenkamp outlines a how-to guide for aspiring biotech entrepreneurs:
Start with Deep Research
Thoroughly study market demands, regulatory hurdles, and competitor landscapes (e.g., learn from the Institute for Protein Design).Build Strategic Academic Connections
Partner with educational institutions for access to talent and cutting-edge labs, much like Roy did with Arizona State University and the IPD.Seek Funding Early
Leverage grants and partnerships, such as EU-based Horizon programs for biotech (Violetta Bonenkamp’s CADChain raised numerous EU-level funds).Adopt Emerging Tech Tools
Accelerate processes with AI-driven tools and platforms tailored for biotech.Master Storytelling
Learn how to pitch your research to investors and non-scientists alike; a powerful narrative bridges the gap between complex science and monetary/market viability.
Common Mistakes When Venturing Into Biotech
Many entrepreneurs face pitfalls that can derail their biotech aspirations. Here are three mistakes worth avoiding:
- Being overly academic: Long R&D cycles without commercial goals risk burning out resources.
- Ignoring regulations: Biotech heavily relies on compliance. Entrepreneurs must tap into consultancies or accelerator programs for guidance.
- Narrow focus: In a hyper-competitive industry, scalable models, like Lila’s dual-platform approach, trump one-dimensional pursuits.
The Violetta Factor: Multidisciplinary Creativity is Key
Bonenkamp believes entrepreneurs must embrace creative cross-pollination. Drawing from her neuroscience and linguistics background, she exemplifies how seemingly unrelated fields can inform scalable startup strategies. She attributes much of her success to aligning diverse industries around overarching missions, like encouraging women in STEM.
Roy’s blending of computational protein design with business parallels Bonenkamp’s philosophy: multi-disciplinary thinking drives revolutionary outcomes.
Conclusion: The Uncommon Thinker Blueprint
Dr. Anindya Roy’s journey illuminates what’s possible when determination meets scientific brilliance and entrepreneurial hustle. For founders looking to leave a lasting impact, Roy’s story should remind us all to think big, act boldly, and aim for the “uncommon thinker” mentality.
The intersection of biotech and AI represents fertile innovation ground similar to CADChain’s blockchain exploration in intellectual property. If there’s one summary fit for all entrepreneurial aspirants, it’s this: success stems not from resources but from resourcefulness, and a commitment to turn visions once deemed “science fiction” into reality.
Follow the blueprint. Innovate. Be “uncommon.” Learn more about the AI-biotech revolution from pioneers like Anindya Roy and institutions like UW’s Institute for Protein Design. And if you’re ready to take action, consider integrating tech like AI or blockchain into your business to solve tomorrow’s biggest challenges.
FAQ
1. Who is Dr. Anindya Roy?
Dr. Anindya Roy is a scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded Lila Biologics, a biotech startup leveraging AI to revolutionize medicine. He progressed from a life of hardship in rural India to leading advancements in protein design and AI-driven therapeutics in the U.S. Read his full story on GeekWire.
2. What is Lila Biologics?
Lila Biologics is a biotech startup co-founded by Dr. Anindya Roy and Jake Kraft. The company uses AI to design cutting-edge drug delivery systems, such as targeted radiotherapy proteins and long-acting injectables, to treat advanced diseases like cancer. Learn about Lila Biologics’ achievements.
3. What inspired Dr. Roy to pursue science?
Despite growing up without electricity or running water in rural India, Dr. Roy’s curiosity and passion for science led him to pursue education at premier institutions, including the University of Calcutta and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
4. How did Dr. Roy’s academic journey evolve?
Dr. Roy moved to the U.S. in 2008 to complete his PhD at Arizona State University, where he specialized in protein engineering. He later joined the Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington under Nobel laureate Dr. David Baker. More about IPD’s program.
5. When was Lila Biologics founded?
Lila Biologics was founded in 2023 by Dr. Roy and his co-founder Jake Kraft. The company emerged from the Institute for Protein Design’s Translational Investigator Research Program. Explore the work of IPD.
6. How does AI play a role in Lila Biologics?
Lila Biologics employs AI for computational protein design, creating novel drugs with innovative delivery systems. This approach accelerates research and development, shortening drug discovery cycles by nearly 32%.
7. What are some key accomplishments of Lila Biologics?
By 2025, Lila Biologics had secured $10 million in venture capital and formed a significant partnership with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly to develop therapies for cancer. Read about their partnership with Eli Lilly.
8. What can entrepreneurs learn from Dr. Roy’s journey?
Entrepreneurs can draw lessons from Dr. Roy’s emphasis on resourcefulness, collaboration, and combining science with business through innovations like AI. He demonstrates how global partnerships and multidisciplinary approaches pave the way for success.
9. What is the current state of the biotech industry?
The global biotechnology market is booming, expected to reach $2.44 trillion by 2028. Innovations in AI, gene therapy, and protein engineering are fueling faster drug discovery processes.
10. What does the future hold for AI in biotech?
AI-driven biotech startups, like Lila Biologics, will continue to disrupt traditional pharmaceutical methods, partnering with industry giants and scaling innovative platforms for next-generation medicine.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.