For Researchers

Insights for researchers ready to explore new frontiers.

If you are a researcher considering starting a spin-off or already leading one, keep reading.

Whoever says academic entrepreneurship, says navigating uncertainty, isolation, or skepticism. Because taking your groundbreaking research out of the lab and into the world of innovation is not something everyone understands.

Not your colleagues who prefer the safety of established academia.

Not your department chair, who questions the practicality of your ambitions.

And certainly not your friends, who, when you talk about venture capital, scaling, or impact, seem more comfortable discussing conferences and grant deadlines.

That is why every day, we share high-impact insights for researchers who are ready to explore new frontiers. Not for just anyone, but for researchers who want to understand:

  • That their discoveries have the potential to transform industries and lives.
  • That staying confined to traditional roles may limit the real-world impact of their work.
  • That their time and effort could build something groundbreaking – beyond the walls of academia.

If you are one of those researchers, you can sign up for free here.

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Tips to help you turn your innovation into a thriving spin-off while staying true to your passion for academic entrepreneurship.

Testimonials

Trusted by leaders worldwide

I was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Mario while i was pursuing my Masters at ESADE. As my assigned tutor, i found Mario to be very supportive, driven and resourceful. My masters project was focused on validating a business model for an American health-tech startup in Spain. Mario provided me with direction, industry contacts, guidance, tools, frameworks and insights to validate my recommendations. Most importantly, he was always there for me when i needed him and kept me motivated and focused. Not only is Mario an incredible mentor, but he is also a stellar human being. I would highly recommend working alongside Mario.
Zain Shah
I had the pleasure to meet Mario in ESADECREAPOLIS where he took part of our startup acceleration program EMPENTA as a business model mentor. I have to say that he demonstrated his professionalism in every edition of the program, giving a lot of value to the startups he mentored. He is an experienced, committed, humble and well connected professional that can make the difference that you are looking for.
Xavi Ametller
Founders are creative and leaders in their field. To build a company successfully and establish a strong market presence, more than just technical competence is necessary. Business acumen and the implementation of success-oriented processes and workflows are further key factors for success. In this regard, Mario Schäfer's work makes a valuable contribution and offers helpful guidance for founders right from the start.
Volker Weber
Our experience with 1B was excellent. The market study we requested for our company covered all the key aspects we needed to know and consider, integrating insights from industry experts. We highly valued their working methodology, which included follow-up meetings that allowed us to track progress in real time and adjust the research according to our needs. Additionally, before the final delivery, we received a preliminary report for review, demonstrating their commitment to accuracy and quality. We highly recommend 11B for their professionalism, thoroughness, and client-focused approach.
Nicole González
We evaluate pharmaceutical products for funding, expansion, and differentiation. Through expert interviews and database research, we assess market potential, registration strategy, and development roadmaps. Projects span painkillers, veterinary products, and Minoxidil mapping. Mario ensures efficient execution, flexible deals, and shares valuable insights via newsletters and books.
Martin Valks
I manage start-ups and run a consultancy in Germany. I've known Mario for over a decade, initially meeting for consulting and later deciding to collaborate, forming the Pharmacircuit Platform. Through 1IB, Mario aided effective project and focus management. His wide network facilitated intercultural projects. Mario's dedication to his book, supporting 1IB, and Pharmacircuit reflects his execution spirit. We joined forces years ago to benefit the pharma industry and create a positive impact. We've collaborated on podcasts and shows. I hope for more individuals like Mario, passionate about what they do, to inspire others daily.
Kuntal Chatterjee
Pharmacelera is a hardware/software company for Computer-Aided Drug Design. We were put in contact through a start-up acceleration program and Mario acted as our business model mentor. Through his professional guidance and his motivation, we were able to improve our value proposition and to establish links with relevant stakeholders from the pharma industry.
Enric Gibert
It has been a great pleasure working with Mario over the last years. Mario is very analytical and strategic, with a great understanding of the German healthcare system. The German Zentiva team greatly benefited from Marios guidance and expertise, resulting in a very robust and prosperous launch pipeline of Gx- and OTC products for the next five years. I can highly recommend Mario for business development projects in the pharmaceutical industry.
Denny Poller
I am the head of the entrepreneurship program at HUBTEC, a technology transfer center dedicated to transferring academic research into viable market products and services. One of the main challenges we face with most projects in our portfolio is their lack of commercial vision and strategy. Additionally, many of these projects have not yet fully understood the real needs of their clients, users, or strategic partners, both locally and globally. In this regard, 1IB has been a key partner in the customer discovery process, helping us identify the key players to understand their needs and challenges. 1IB focuses not only on the commercial aspects but also on regulatory challenges, IP strategy, governance, and financial strategy. Furthermore, 1IB has assisted us in the international prospection for our portfolio, providing access to European and American markets.
Catalina Pavez
It has been my great pleasure to work with Mario during the last 5 years where he has helped my company identifying licensing partners for an OTC nicotine gum portfolio in Europe and elsewhere. Mario Schäfer is a very proactive person and has a unique ability to stay focused and keep things on track.
Bo Tandrup
I had the pleasure of having Mario as my tutor for my in-company project which consisted in validating a new business model for the commercialization of new type of Cancer treatment in the US. His expertise provided me with the guidance I needed to obtain a Summa Cum Laude designation for the work. His support and academic knowledge ensured the project's fruition, and kept me motivated throughout the endeavor. He provided me with useful industry contacts and insight to validate my recommendations. Mario is a reliable, resourceful, and driven person to work with. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for academic support on any type of assignment.
Bastian Homsy
I recommend Mario without hesitation. His ability to work under tight deadlines and his thoroughness to details are among his many strengths.
Antoine Defour
Mario Schaefer's 'Doing What Matters: The Power of Purposeful Productivity' is a masterclass in efficiency and focus, qualities I've seen him embody since our early days at trifermed. This book is not just a guide; it's a testament to Mario's own journey towards purposeful productivity.
Prof. Sergi Trilla
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The Book

Doing What Matters

The Power of Purposeful Productivity — by Mario Schäfer.

Amazon Review
This book is a how to for being effective and efficient in business, not just busy. It lays out strategies and systems to ensure that we stay focused on the important and not distracted by the urgent. Do the deep work and enjoy the journey.
Verified Reader
Amazon Review
Most books on productivity just tell you to do more, but this one flips that idea on its head. It is not about cramming more into your day, it is about making sure what you are doing actually matters. If you have ever felt like you are running in circles but not really getting anywhere, this book hits home. What I liked most is how it makes you rethink what being productive really means. It is not about checking off a to-do list, it is about impact. The book gives simple but effective ways to cut through distractions and focus on what really counts. If anything, I would have liked more personal stories to bring the ideas to life, but the lessons still stick. If you are feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and looking for a smarter way to work, this is a great place to start. Clear, practical, and easy to apply.
Verified Reader
Amazon Review
This book is a masterclass in working smarter, not harder. What resonated with me most was its focus on using time with purpose instead of just running around frantically. It reminded me of my days training at the gym with a coach. He'd point out men putting in endless effort but getting nowhere—because their technique was all wrong. His training emphasized precision, and the results spoke for themselves. This book takes the same approach: it's not about doing more, but about doing it right. With clear guidance and practical strategies, it shows that effective technique—not sheer effort—is what delivers lasting results.
Verified Reader