From the lab to the market: Dr. Jarrod Sandow's journey from academia to industry.

Dr. Jarrod Sandow, Chief Product Officer at IonOpticks, recently returned to where it all began—at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). This homecoming wasn’t just a nostalgic visit, but a full-circle moment for the visionary scientist-turned-entrepreneur, who delivered an inspiring presentation at WEHI’s Entrepreneurship Seminar.

As an alumnus of WEHI, Dr. Sandow leads the commercialisation of IonOpticks’ technology, which was developed at the very institute that laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work. With this dual perspective—one foot firmly planted in his academic past and the other in the fast-moving world of industry—Jarrod offered attendees a rare glimpse into the evolution of his career, the challenges of commercialisation, and the lessons learned along the way.

The WEHI Entrepreneurship Seminar series, designed to inspire researchers to think beyond the lab and consider the broader impact of their work, was the perfect platform for Jarrod’s story. It was clear from the start that the audience was eager to hear more than just theory—they wanted real-world insight into how to turn ideas into tangible, commercially viable products.

^{Researchers at WEHI probe Dr Sandow about the practicalities of moving from the lab to the market.}

In his talk, he recounted his career trajectory, which began deeply rooted in academic research at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. Moving to Melbourne and eventually landing in WEHI’s proteomics facility, Jarrod’s initial focus was purely to improve the results being produced by the facility, however, as the potential for manufacturing reproducible and reliable chromatography became clearer, he found himself at a crossroads—stay at WEHI in a traditional research role or take the plunge into the uncertain waters of industry.

This decision, as Jarrod explained, was far from easy. The allure of academia, with its structure and clear path, often stands in stark contrast to the unpredictability and risk associated with entrepreneurship. But, as Jarrod shared, his passion for seeing his research make a tangible impact on the world led him to choose the latter.

For many researchers, the idea of transitioning from academia to industry can be intimidating. The skills honed in a research lab—meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving, and patience—don’t always seem immediately transferable to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of business. However, as Jarrod highlighted, these very skills are essential when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship.

“I found myself straddling both worlds for a while,” Jarrod admitted, reflecting on his journey. “Leaving WEHI was a tough decision. There’s a comfort in the familiar, and academic research was my passion for so long. But in the end, the potential of what we were building at IonOpticks—and the impact it could have—was too powerful to ignore.”

Jarrod’s honesty about the internal struggle resonated with many, some of whom are likely facing similar dilemmas. How do you balance the passion for scientific discovery with the realities of bringing that discovery to market? Jarrod’s answer: you can’t do it alone.

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned,” Jarrod emphasised, “is that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the product of collaboration, persistence, and a deep belief in the potential of your ideas. The transition from research to industry is daunting, but it’s also where true impact happens—when you bring your ideas to life and watch them change the world.”

Jarrod went on to emphasise that integral to this journey has been the exceptional team surrounding him at IonOpticks, a group whose dedication, expertise, and shared vision have been instrumental in transforming ideas into groundbreaking technology. Jarrod is the first to acknowledge that innovation at this scale is never a solo endeavour. It’s the collective brilliance of the team who continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible. Their collaborative spirit, combined with an unwavering commitment to quality and impact, has been the cornerstone of IonOpticks’ success, proving that together, great things can be achieved.

After his presentation, Jarrod opened the floor to questions, and a lively Q&A session ensued. Young researchers, eager to follow in his footsteps, asked pointed questions about the practicalities of moving from the lab to the market. They wanted to know how ideas incubated in a research setting could be scaled, commercialised, and ultimately turned into sustainable businesses.

Jarrod’s advice was clear: “Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” He stressed the importance of finding the right partners, mentors, and collaborators to help bridge the gap between academia and industry. “No one person has all the answers,” he said. “But together, you can figure it out. And WEHI is a great place to start these ideas. They’ve got a strong model for incubation and commercialisation—that’s exactly where we started.”

He also touched on the financial realities of starting a business, a topic often overlooked in academic circles. “Funding is always a challenge, especially in the early days,” Jarrod noted. “But if you believe in your product and are willing to put in the hard work, there are people out there who will believe in it too.”

As the Q&A continued, Jarrod’s genuine passion for both science and entrepreneurship became even more apparent. He encouraged the audience to not only think about their research in terms of academic publications but also in terms of its potential to solve real-world problems.

“Science is a powerful tool for change,” Jarrod reminded the crowd. “But its full potential is only realised when we move beyond the lab and start thinking about how to apply that knowledge in practical, impactful ways.”

As the session drew to a close, Jarrod took a moment to reflect on IonOpticks’ journey over the last seven years. “When we first started, we had no idea where this would go,” he said. “We believed in the technology, but there were so many unknowns. It’s only by working together with our dedicated team, staying focused, and pushing through the challenges that we’ve been able to get to where we are today.”

For Jarrod, the opportunity to return to WEHI and share his story was not only a moment of reflection but also a chance to inspire the next generation of researchers to think big, take risks, and, most importantly, believe in their ideas.

“Innovation is about more than just technology,” Jarrod concluded. “It’s about people—the teams you build, the partnerships you form, and the impact you want to make. That’s what keeps me motivated every day.”

As attendees filed out to a brief networking session, many were left with much to think about. For some, it was a reaffirmation of their passion for research. For others, it was the spark they needed to start considering the commercial potential of their own work. But for all, Jarrod’s journey stood as a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration in making a lasting impact.

Dr. Jarrod Sandow’s journey from early researcher to Chief Product Officer of IonOpticks serves as an inspiring reminder that the transition from lab bench to boardroom is possible—and that, with the right mindset, collaboration, and determination, innovation can indeed change the world.