What Great Advisors Share
SPARK-Bordeaux advisors don't follow a single profile. They are pharma veterans and early-stage entrepreneurs, regulatory specialists and business developers, clinicians and IP lawyers. What they share is a genuine interest in seeing academic science reach patients, and a willingness to share what they know without expecting something in return.
If any of the following resonates with you, you're probably the right fit.
You understand how products get built. You've worked in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, medical devices, or a related field, and you know the difference between a promising result and a viable development candidate.
You give honest feedback. Researchers don't need cheerleaders. They need people who can identify real obstacles early and communicate them in a way that builds rather than breaks confidence.
You think beyond the next experiment. You help researchers see the regulatory, commercial, and strategic dimensions of their work, not just the science.
You're willing to open doors. You don't need to invest personally or commit your organisation. But when an introduction could make a real difference, you're willing to make it.
You're genuinely curious. Academic science at the translational stage is messy and exciting. You find that energising rather than frustrating.
On time commitment: advisors typically invest 2 to 3 hours per month per project. There is no set minimum duration. You can step back when your contribution has run its course, or stay involved for years. Many do.