Kristofer Mussar, PhD, is COO of VectorBuilder and MD of VectorBuilder GmbH, leading global operations and innovation in gene delivery.
With the global biotechnology industry projected to grow at almost 14% annually through 2030, organizations are embracing innovative strategies to drive growth and differentiate themselves. One such intervention is the development of free platforms that empower the academic community with powerful technological capabilities while promoting sustainable collaboration.
This is an approach my company is taking; we developed a free-to-use software tool that enables scientists to design and order custom DNA vectors. Other free platforms have also emerged in the biotech industry, reinforcing this trend. For example, Benchling offers a suite of free cloud-based tools for academic researchers. Similarly, DeepChem provides open-source machine learning tools that support drug discovery, materials science and computational biology research.
Providing platforms like these at no cost can offer a number of benefits to researchers and companies themselves. Here’s a case for why other biotech companies should consider offering free options—and how you can get started successfully.
Improving Accessibility
By providing platforms at no cost, companies and open-source initiatives can help lower barriers for academic researchers and accelerate innovation across the industry. More researchers can contribute to scientific advancements without being constrained by limited resources—a perennial challenge in the sector. When researchers and labs can gain access to cutting-edge tools, the gap between well-funded institutions and those with limited resources can be reduced. It levels the playing field in global research.
Furthermore, this democratization not only benefits individual researchers but also contributes to a more diverse and innovative scientific community.
Building Loyalty And Brand Authority
Offering free solutions can generate goodwill and strengthen relationships with both existing and potential customers. When a company provides valuable tools without immediate financial gain, it demonstrates a commitment to the industry’s advancement rather than solely focusing on profit.
Such an altruistic approach can increase trust and help establish the business as a credible authority in the field. Over time, users of the free platform are more likely to turn to that particular organization for additional services, knowing they are engaging with an institution that prioritizes their needs and the broader scientific community. This strategy not only enhances brand recognition but also cultivates a loyal customer base that values the company’s contributions to the field.
It also establishes an emotional connection with users who appreciate the company’s dedication to advancing their work. This connection often translates into brand advocacy, where users actively promote the company’s services within their networks, amplifying its reach and reputation.
Winning For Growth
Providing a free product offers mutual benefits for both the users and the organization. For researchers, a tool can simplify complex processes to give them more time to focus on their experiments and less on technical hurdles. For the organization providing the tool, it acts as an invaluable conduit for gathering user insights and feedback to further refine the platform and tailor it to the community’s needs.
Additionally, as more users engage with such a tool, the company’s user base expands, which can help increase its reach and influence within the industry. This illustrates that offering free tools does not automatically result in a financial loss. Instead, it can lead to broader market penetration and deeper customer engagement to help drive business success.
Advice For Biotech Companies Looking To Offer Free Platforms
For biotech companies considering the launch of a free platform, defining a clear objective from the outset is essential. Organizations should first identify a specific challenge faced by researchers in their field and ensure their platform provides a meaningful solution. For instance, does the tool streamline complex lab workflows, give access to otherwise expensive technologies or enhance data sharing? A well-defined purpose ensures the platform delivers tangible value to its users and aligns with the company’s broader strategic goals.
Another key factor is usability. A free platform will only be impactful if researchers can easily integrate it into their workflows. Intuitive design, clear documentation and strong customer support can significantly enhance adoption rates. Offering onboarding tutorials and soliciting feedback from early adopters can help refine the platform to better meet researchers’ needs.
Finally, companies should view free platforms as long-term investments rather than immediate revenue generators. While they may not yield direct financial returns up front, these tools can establish industry credibility, expand market reach and create new business opportunities over time. Organizations that successfully implement free platforms foster trust and loyalty within the research community, which can lead to sustained business growth.
Final Thoughts: Sustainability Through Collaboration
Free platforms can promote a resource-sharing ecosystem that aligns with sustainable practices. By reducing redundancies and enabling collective progress, they contribute to a more efficient and effective research environment. In the biotech industry, this collaboration can accelerate the development of new therapies and technologies, benefiting society as a whole. A collaborative framework can spark interdisciplinary partnerships, enabling breakthroughs that might not have been possible within siloed research settings.
However, to recognize these potential benefits, companies offering these solutions must ensure they establish clear objectives, prioritize usability and embrace a long-term perspective. In doing so, they can develop tools that support industry growth and business success, as well as empower the academic community, build loyalty and brand authority, and promote sustainability through collaboration. The end goal is to bring home an industrywide strategic approach that helps to foster innovation, trust and long-term value in biotech.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
