My route to becoming an entrepreneur

Inchirah Adala

By Inchirah Adala

I am a medical device engineer with a PhD in tissue engineering, graduating in 2022. After finishing my doctorate, I found myself at a crossroads.

Although I had secured a full-time role in industry, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I wanted more than just stability, I wanted to build something meaningful, to create impact.

Finding the spark

Entrepreneurship had always been in the back of my mind, but it felt distant and uncertain. That changed when I came across the Link Programme, a three-day introduction to starting a business. Curious, I signed up. To my surprise, I not only completed the training but also won the Networking Prize. That experience lit a spark: perhaps entrepreneurship wasn’t a vague idea for the future, but a real path I could take now.

The impact of the Ingenuity Lab

Encouraged, I joined the Ingenuity Lab in early 2024. From the beginning, I threw myself into its community. Weekly sessions, peer reviews, and monthly meetings with other members kept me focused and accountable. The Lab also connected me with advisors in legal, finance, and business planning, areas I had little experience in but were crucial to turning an idea into a company.

One of the highlights was taking part in Ingenuity Impact Programme, where I pitched my business plan to a panel of judges. Preparing for and delivering that pitch was both nerve-wracking and transformative. Receiving feedback and winning awards confirmed that my idea had potential. Soon after, I registered Plurabio Ltd, my venture focused on innovation in the life sciences sector.

Making refinements along the way

My journey didn’t stop there. I went on to join the SCALE and STEPS programmes, accelerators offered by the Ingenuity Lab to help businesses grow. During this time, I refined my strategy, pitched again, and gained invaluable mentoring that pushed me to strengthen and expand my venture. Winning further prizes during this stage was a powerful confirmation that I was moving in the right direction.

My advice to you

My advice to other students considering the Lab or entrepreneurship during their studies is simple:

• Start, even if you feel unsure.
• Engage with the community, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
• Use the expertise available. Mentors, advisors, and peers can help fill the gaps in your knowledge.
• See failure as progress. Each setback is a stepping stone forward.

The Ingenuity Lab has been a catalyst in transforming uncertainty into entrepreneurship. For me, it has turned an idea into a venture, and given me the confidence to keep building.