“In June 2020, we started to communicate global news to younger generations in an easy, objective, and engaging way through social media—this is how Ac2ality was born. From the start, we allowed ourselves to dream big, envisioning Ac2ality selling for millions. It felt exciting, yet almost impossible to achieve. By 2023, with over 5 million followers, we successfully sold the company to Atresmedia, Spain’s largest media conglomerate. To date, we have collaborated with over 50 recognised brands and companies, including Red Bull, Prime Video, Netflix, L’Oréal, and McDonald's. Most recently, we had the honor of being included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This journey demonstrates how big dreams, combined with discipline and hard work, can lead to achieving anything. I am extremely grateful to UCL as it played a crucial role in this success. I chose to pursue the MSc Bioscience Entrepreneurship in 2021 because I knew I needed to build a strong entrepreneurial foundation, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Through my MSc in Bioscience Entrepreneurship, I gained valuable knowledge in areas such as finance, cap tables, and due diligence—skills that were instrumental in negotiating the sale of Ac2ality. UCL not only provided me with an entrepreneurial mindset but also offered invaluable networking opportunities and essential public speaking skills. Additionally, this program pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me overcome imposter syndrome and giving me the confidence to pursue my ambitions.
Owen Jones, Thesis prize for MSc Bioscience Innovation and Enterprise, 2023-2024
“Reflecting on the start of my MSc journey, I initially felt both excitement and uncertainty as I took on the challenge of balancing a part-time degree with my role as a strategy consultant in life sciences. In hindsight, this experience has proven to be one of the most professionally and personally rewarding of my career. The programme operates at the intersection of scientific innovation and commercial strategy, equipping students with critical frameworks to assess scientific advancements and identify commercial pathways to support access to healthcare innovation.
Over the course, I developed a keen interest in ophthalmology, particularly in addressing unmet needs within inherited retinal diseases. This focus culminated in my thesis, which explored the development and commercialization of an optogenetic therapy for retinal degeneration. Navigating the complexities of early-stage technology was both challenging and fulfilling, as I had the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned experts who helped refine my work and solidify my interest in this field. As I conclude the program, I leave with a deep appreciation for the complexity of the bioscience ecosystem and a robust set of tools to navigate this space in the future.
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