Marcos Villeda Hernandez: How 3 PhDs created a DIY business incubator to launch a deep-tech startup

In this episode, Marcos Villeda Hernandez shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing his academic background in nanoscience and the founding of PhotoClear, a startup focused on wastewater treatment. The idea for PhotoClear emerged during the pandemic, driven by a desire to address real-world problems. Marcos rallied a group of like-minded friends and colleagues to join a “business club”, meeting regularly to pitch ideas and selecting the best one through collaboration.  He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from transitioning from a PhD to a CEO. Marcos emphasises the significance of taking action, understanding market needs, and the impact of innovation on society.