Taking the Road Less Travelled: One A&S Grad’s Path from Innovator to Entrepreneur
As a Ph.D. student, Justin Neill saw himself following a conventional career path in academia. He hadn’t considered the possibility that the technology he helped develop as a doctoral student might lead him in a different direction, but the invitation to help launch a startup company focused on bringing that technology to the marketplace changed everything.
Today, Neill is chief technology officer for the Charlottesville-based company BrightSpec, which is at the forefront of revolutionary advancements in molecular rotational resonance technology, a method for identifying and analyzing the structure of molecules. His journey from a graduate student in UVA’s Department of Chemistry to a key player in a cutting-edge startup is a model tale of the transformative power of combining academic research and entrepreneurial spirit. Neill’s work highlights the impact of innovative research and the potential for academic discoveries to transform industries.
“Justin did exceptionally well in graduate school,” said Brooks Pate, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Chemistry at UVA, a pioneer in molecular rotational spectroscopy and a key mentor in Neill’s academic and entrepreneurial journey. “He had a surefire path in the academic world, but he gave it all up to build a company, and through BrightSpec, Justin and his team have probably done more for this field of measurement science than the rest of the academic community combined.”
Neill spoke with A&S about his work with BrightSpec and the challenges of transitioning from researcher to entrepreneur.
Q&A:
Q: What is the core research that led to the founding of BrightSpec?
A: The technique we’ve commercialized, molecular rotational resonance, or MRR, is extraordinarily sensitive for identifying precise molecular structures. Compounds with similar structures that give similar responses in other types of analytical instruments can be distinguished unambiguously with MRR. This capability is crucial in fields like pharmaceutical analysis, where a slight tweak to a drug’s structure can completely change its function. There’s a massive need for techniques that can offer this level of precision, and that’s where BrightSpec fits in.
Q: Can you describe your research as a graduate student at UVA?
A: I joined Brooks Pate’s group at UVA in 2006, right as he was revolutionizing the field of MRR by developing instruments to enable fundamentally new capabilities. My Ph.D. work focused on improving and benchmarking the first instrument we developed. This field has been around since the 1940s, so it was really exciting to be able to push the boundaries of the technique. The result of that research effort is still a major part of BrightSpec’s product line today.
Q: How did the idea of commercializing your research come about?
A: In the last year or two of my time with Brooks, we started recognizing the market potential of our instrumentation. We filed a couple of patents and began considering how this technology could reach beyond basic research. Initially, it was about the speed and simplicity of getting measurements. What used to take the time of a Ph.D. thesis to complete could now be done in a day. This realization was the foundation for BrightSpec, and we’ve continued to evolve and improve the technology since then.
Q: What are some of the key applications of BrightSpec’s technology?
A: Our technology has a wide range of applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s useful for structure identification and impurity analysis. We’re also working with consumer goods companies to verify the authenticity and safety of products. For example, we help determine whether essential oils are of natural origin or if they have been adulterated. Our instruments could also be used to characterize other chemical products and in the food and beverage industries to ensure safety and quality.
Q: What challenges did you face when transitioning from academia to the startup world?
A: Transitioning from academia to the startup world was both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest challenges was shifting my mindset from purely research-focused to a more business-oriented approach. In academia, the goal is often to publish and advance knowledge, whereas in a startup, the focus is on developing a viable product and meeting market needs. Learning to navigate the business aspects, such as securing funding, managing a team and understanding market dynamics, was a steep learning curve. However, it was also incredibly rewarding to see our technology make a tangible impact in various industries.
Q: What advice would you give to graduate students looking for alternative career paths?
A: It’s important to keep an open mind about career paths outside of academia. Many of the skills you develop in grad school are valuable in industry. Networking with professionals who have transitioned from academia to industry can be incredibly beneficial. Also, taking advantage of opportunities to present your research and think about its commercial potential can set the stage for a successful career outside of traditional academic roles.
Q: What does the future look like for BrightSpec?
A: We’re excited to be launching a new product platform at a major analytical trade show, Pittcon, which represents a massive leap forward for MRR in ease of use and commercial viability. Our headcount has tripled in the last two years, and we’re now turning to developing the next generation of our product. We’re aiming to expand our user base and make our technology even more powerful and accessible. The future holds a lot of promise, and we’re looking forward to continuing to innovate.
