Biomedical optics

"A successful experience at an early stage". This is how Mads Bang Jensen describes Advalight's participation in Venture Cup 2005/2006. An oppor­tunity that allowed cand.merc. Mads Bang Jensen together with three young engineers from DTU - Morten Thorhauge, Jesper Rubech Rasmussen and Jesper Liltorp Mortensen - to challenge themselves in developing a business plan and pitching their idea in a clear and captivating manner. These skills are necessary when the very existence of your busi­ness relies on picky investors.

Advalight develops skin care lasers which can pri­marily be used to remove facial teleangiectases, re­duce wrinkles, and acne. The company is based on laser technology research from two PhD projects in biomedical optics from DTU. "We are working with yellow light and have developed a laser, which in many aspects are more advanced than the tech­nologies that exist today. Firstly, existing lasers on the market all have many ongoing expenses since they require continuous replacement of spare parts and colouring dye. This however is not necessary with our technology. Secondly, our device is much smaller and compact and hence more mobile," says Mads Bang Jensen.

 From researcher to entrepreneur

PhD student Morten Thorhauge, the CEO of Adva­light, has always wanted to put theory into prac­tice. "Many people research for the sake of research. If, however, the research can not be applied, I believe that you should not conduct research. In general it is a good idea to incorporate the business potential into your research. Think about whether or not other people can actually apply your product" Morten Thorhauge argues.

Advalight won a prize in the first two phases and was nominated in phase three. "It was a confidence boost to win in the first two phases. When you are selected as one of the winners of the competition, you are recognised as better than the others. This probably also means, that investors will regard you as superior to your competitors. That is a good start", says Morten Thorhauge.

A brighter future

Advalight has started up on Scion DTU with help from CAT Science, and they are in the process of building their first laser prototype. The four young entrepreneurs thrive on being independent. "Start­ing up our own company is a matter of us wanting to have control over our own business and time. If you want to succeed, then you need to work hard! Furthermore you work for your own benefit and not so that other people can make money. That gives great satisfaction," Mads Bang Jensen explains.