The biotechnology industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with significant advancements in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, genomics, biomaterials, and agricultural biotechnology. However, the rapid pace of innovation and the complexity of the industry require leaders who not only possess technical expertise but also strong entrepreneurial leadership skills to drive innovation, launch ventures, and navigate the challenges of commercialization, regulatory compliance, and global market dynamics.

The Master of Science Program in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Biotechnology (ELBT) is designed to address this critical need by equipping professionals with the skills to lead and innovate entrepreneurially in biotech organizations and startups. The program will focus on developing entrepreneurial mindsets, leadership capabilities, and business acumen tailored to the biotechnology sector, with an emphasis on creating and scaling biotech ventures. It will also provide insights into the regulatory, ethical, and policy frameworks that govern the industry.

The program will benefit students by enhancing their career prospects in entrepreneurial and leadership roles within biotech startups, established companies, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. For HKUST, this program will strengthen its position as a leader in biotechnology education and research, particularly in the Greater Bay Area, where the biotech industry is rapidly expanding. The program will also foster collaboration between academia and industry, creating opportunities for research partnerships, spin-off companies, and knowledge transfer.

On successful completion of the internship, students will be able to:

1. Develop and apply entrepreneurial leadership skills to initiate, grow, and lead biotechnology ventures, integrating strategic vision with innovative problem-solving.
2. Identify and evaluate opportunities for biotech innovation, creating actionable business plans that address regulatory, ethical, and market challenges.
3. Secure and manage resources, including funding and talent, to build and scale biotech startups or intrapreneurial projects within established organizations.
4. Lead interdisciplinary teams in the development, commercialization, and launch of biotech products, ensuring alignment with global regulatory and industry standards.
5. Pitch and communicate biotech venture ideas effectively to stakeholders, including investors, partners, and regulators, to secure support and drive growth.
6. Cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within biotech organizations, balancing profitability with ethical responsibility and societal impact.