Our GP Dr Ben Miles Supports Schmidt Science Fellows

Most scientists dream of changing the world with their research, but only a few decide to make it happen outside the lab.

This summer, I had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of Schmidt Science Fellows, scientists at the cutting edge of their fields and based at exceptional universities across the globe, to help them start on this journey by developing key commercial skills to pitch their startup ideas.

In a short series of master classes, we covered the fundamentals of the innovation process, market need, and raising investment.

And in just 6 short weeks, they proved what I’ve always believed about scientists - give them a solid framework and they can absorb and apply complex commercial concepts with the same rigour they bring to their research.

They challenged their own assumptions, broke down early ideas, rebuilt them stronger, and delivered sharp, compelling pitches to a panel of VCs, founders, and industry leaders. Their work culminated at the Schmidt Science Fellows 2025 Interdisciplinary Science Summit, an event in association with Caltech that celebrated bold, transformative, and high-impact science and the entrepreneurial spirit driving it forwards.

It’s been fantastic to be a part of their journey, watching them refine their science into a clear proposition, and seeing the spark of an idea sharpen into a pitch that could secure backing.

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Thank you to Schmidt Science Fellows, particularly Arielle Baker and Christine Norton, CSA for inviting me to deliver this inaugural impact program, and especially the cohort for their excellent work. I’m very excited to see where the fellows take these projects next

Science discoveries are just the beginning. I think we need more scientists starting the journey of delivering those discoveries to reach the people who need them.

If you’re a scientist with a breakthrough you want to see change the world - and you’re looking for support, advice, or investment - I’d love to hear from you.

📸 Photo credit: Claudine Gossett