Start-up Mindset Before Masterplan: The FlyVoTech Story
- oppenlaender
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 10
In one of our recent MAX!mize webinars, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dušica Briševac, co-founder of Max Planck start-up FlyVoTech, who shared her individual start-up journey – raw, relatable, and full of practical insight. It was exactly the kind of story that early-career researchers need to hear when considering a move beyond academia.
Start-up Mindset: From Curiosity to Action
Dušica’s entrepreneurial path began during her time as a postdoc. Like many researchers, she found herself asking:
“Are there alternative career paths beyond academia?”
Rather than staying in a state of uncertainty, she took action — reaching out to the Max Planck Society’s broad and powerful network. She discovered a community full of experts, encouragement, and entrepreneurial spirit.
She joined Max Planck PostdocNet and, together with fellow postdoc Yu-Xuan Lu, co-leaded the Career Development Working Group for one year. The group exists since 2019.
This group is a hub for communication, collaboration, and inspiration. As working group leaders, Dušica and Yu-Xuan Lu aimed to support personal growth and promote diverse career pathways — both within and beyond academia.
They organized hands-on workshops and launched networking events open to all postdocs, covering topics like career development, entrepreneurship, and transitions into industry. They introduced initiatives like MAX!mize and talks from former postdocs who had successfully navigated new career paths.
By actively creating space for practical learning and open exchange, they transformed the group into an engine for community-driven development.
September 2022
Together, they discovered a shared desire:
“We want to build something.”
At that time, they didn’t have a specific business idea or a scientific discovery. But what they did have was a team with the right start-up mindset — curious, open, and proactive.
The Spark of an Idea
December 2022
Soon after, they connected with Guy Reeves, another postdoc who brought with him a compelling concept: a scanner for screening technology. This idea became the team’s starting point — the initial spark that brought their start-up project FlyVoTech to life.
March 2023
The team applied to the MAX!mize incubator — and was accepted into Phase 1, Batch 2. Why? As Dušica put it:
“You need support to execute your idea.”
Phase 1: Listening, Learning, Evolving
With the €50,000 funding from Phase 1, the team focused on gaining clarity and market fit. They:
Attended key conferences
Conducted detailed market research
Spoke with industry experts
Engaged directly with potential users
They listened carefully, iterated quickly, and adapted their business model based on real feedback. Flexibility and continuous learning were central to their process.
September 2023
Their team grew, too: Judith Bossen joined, bringing critical expertise and completing the core team.
By the end of Phase 1, they had:
Refined their business model
Adjusted their solution
Identified a market-relevant problem
Raised key questions — especially around IP strategy
That led them to pitch in front os the MAX!mize jury again — and they were accepted into Phase 2 of the MAX!mize incubator.
Phase 2: A Clear Path Forward
Now part of the MAX!mize Market Track, the team benefits from:
18 additional months of tailored support
Continued coaching from MAX!mize Start-up Coaches
Additional funding
Continued advice from Patent and Licensing Managers within the Max Planck Innovation ecosystem
High-impact workshops with external trainers and professionals
Today, FlyVoTech has a viable service-based business model, a deep understanding of the market, a IP technology currently in development, and a clear roadmap to founding. The progress they’ve made shows what’s possible when researchers dare to step beyond the familiar.
What This Story Teaches Us
You don’t need a perfect roadmap to begin.
You don’t need a full team or a groundbreaking idea from day one.
But what you do need is a start-up mindset:
Curiosity
Courage
The willingness to take the first step
In Dušica’s Words:
“Use all resources within the Max Planck Society Network. Don’t be shy – it can be your initial boost. It’s a safe way to try your entrepreneurial experience.”
More Practical Advice from the Team
➔ Don't be afraid of business language ➔ Get comfortable making fast decisions (often with limited data) ➔ Be ready to pivot based on market feedback ➔ Actively ask for feedback and help ➔ Collaborate closely with your MPI administration and use resources wisely ➔ Focus on value, not just revenue ➔ Invest in building a strong, committed team ➔ Don't be afraid of failing
So if you’re wondering whether to begin — let this be your sign. Start where you are. Whether your idea is fully formed or still taking shape, we encourage all aspiring Max Planck entrepreneurs in tech and social to apply to the official incubation program for Max Planck researchers.
Great ventures often start with bold questions, not final answers. Our incubator thrives on individuality – and we are proud to welcome teams from across the entire Max Planck landscape, from the humanities and social sciences to technology-driven fields like biology, chemistry, and physics.
We are looking forward to supporting you on your individual start-up journey!
Ready to unlock your sciencepreneurial skills and become part of our next batch?
