RAJAT PANDEY
Senior Consultant – R&D Strategy & Project Management
Birkerød
Summary
Strategic and impact-driven project manager with a PhD in Biotechnology and over a decade of experience in innovation leadership, bio-solutions, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to manage complex projects from concept to market readiness, particularly within biotech and health sectors. Expert in integrating scientific and commercial insights, navigating regulatory landscapes, and engaging diverse stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes. Adept at creating trust-based environments and fostering high-performing teams to address global challenges through biology.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Consultant
Nordic Innovators
05.2020 - Current
- Directed strategic R&D portfolio development projects in biotech and bio-solutions, supporting commercialization and funding strategies.
- Directed multi-stakeholder projects, including synthetic biology platforms and regenerative medicine innovations aligning scientific potential with market needs and regulatory pathways.
- Supported 40+ startups and R&D groups in developing commercial and funding roadmaps aligned with market demand.
- Facilitated €55M+ in funding via soft-money instruments, investment pitch support, and consortium building.
- Led strategic discussions with C-level executives and investors to ensure innovation alignment with business priorities.
Innovation Consultant
Innovayt
07.2018 - 04.2020
- Managed high-value innovation projects in synthetic biology, food biotech, and sustainable manufacturing.
- Developed project scopes, budgets, and stakeholder maps for international consortia.
- Secured €27M+ for clients via grant and equity-based programs, including EIC and Eurostars.
- Delivered business modelling, market entry strategies, and technical validation plans.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Instituto Superior Técnico
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Designed and managed bioprocess optimization research for industrial applications.
- Led proposal development and partnership coordination for translational R&D.
- Awarded Erasmus Mundus fellowship for excellence in scientific research.
Research Scientist
Jubilant Drug Discovery Centre
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Developed drug discovery strategies, optimized protein structures, and analyzed molecular interactions.
- Contributed to investor-facing reports detailing pharmaceutical R&D advancements.
Education
Ph.D. - Biopharma R&D And Technology Transfer
Technical University of Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal 04.2001 -
Master of Technology - Bioengineering
Vellore Institute of Technology
Vellore, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Genetic Engineering
Allahabad Agricultural Institute
India 04.2001 -
Skills
- Project & Portfolio Management (Waterfall & Agile)
- Innovation Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Scientific-Commercial Translation
- Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement
- Regulatory & Market Validation Strategy
- Workshop Facilitation & Executive Communication
- IT competences
- Microsoft Project
- Trello
Competences
- Project Management (Waterfall & Agile)
- Innovation Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Scientific-Commercial Translation
- Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement
- Regulatory & Market Validation Strategy
- Workshop Facilitation & Executive Communication
- Strategic & Analytical Thinking
- Communication & Presentation
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving
Key Highlights
- 11+ years’ international experience in biotech, biosolutions, and health innovation, bridging R&D, innovation leadership, and commercial strategy.
- Deep expertise in project management, innovation pipelines, stakeholder engagement, and commercial validation, aligning scientific and business objectives.
- Successfully secured and managed over €80M in public and private funding for early-stage R&D and commercialization projects across EU and global consortia.
- Led cross-functional teams across academia, startups, and industry to deliver impactful solutions in health tech, biotech, and MedTech.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to partner effectively with R&D leadership, commercial teams, finance, and governance bodies.
- PhD in Biotechnology with a strong track record of aligning scientific innovation to customer and sustainability needs.
Impact Assessment
- Scouted and evaluated over 50+ high-potential industry and academic projects, leading to strategic collaborations and funding decisions.
- Secured and managed multi-million-euro funding projects, supporting early-stage R&D and startup commercialization efforts.
- Led outreach and engagement efforts with global research institutions and startup incubators, building a strong network of scientific and industry leaders.
- Developed strategic investment roadmaps, facilitating the transition of early-stage technologies into viable healthcare assets.
Timeline
Senior Consultant
Nordic Innovators
05.2020 - Current
Innovation Consultant
Innovayt
07.2018 - 04.2020
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Instituto Superior Técnico
01.2016 - 01.2018
Research Scientist
Jubilant Drug Discovery Centre
01.2007 - 01.2010
Ph.D. - Biopharma R&D And Technology Transfer
Technical University of Lisbon
04.2001 -
Master of Technology - Bioengineering
Vellore Institute of Technology
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Genetic Engineering
Allahabad Agricultural Institute
04.2001 -
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