Sara Holland
From synthetic biology to industrial biotechnology, Sara works closely with early-stage companies to identify IP, develop solid IP strategies and prepare for fundraising. Having been in academia, Sara understands the challenges researchers face in bringing innovations to market.
Sara supports scientist-founded synthetic biology and industrial biotech companies that have the potential to change the world. She helps these early-stage companies develop their intellectual property (IP) strategy ready for fundraising. On the flipside, she also helps investors with due diligence into biotech companies ahead of investment.
An academic for many years, Sara knows that academics do not always give IP the consideration it deserves. She has a passion for educating them about the fundamentals, and critical importance, of IP. She also leads talks and workshops with universities and accelerator programmes.
Sara was appointed to the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology Engineering Biology Steering Group (now the Engineering Biology Advisory Panel). She is vice chair of the BioIndustry Associations’ Engineering Biology Advisory Committee (EBAC), and a member of the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre's Governing Board. She mentors for Science Entrepreneur Club, Forest City Synbio (Canada), iGEM Startups, ProVeg, and others.
- Preparing early-stage biotech companies for fundraising and due diligence for investors
- Innovation capture and drafting patent applications to complex engineering biology technologies
- Educating academics about the essentials of IP
- Setting up synbio/biotech networking clubs
Services
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- PhD, Molecular Biology, University of Nottingham
- BSc, Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Nottingham
Holland is a great support to early-stage scientist-founded biotech companies.
Sara has an excellent understanding of the synthetic biology field and has been able to provide really effective and actionable advice on our portfolio. She is incredibly responsive and provides immediate advice.
- IAM Patent 1000: Prosecution
About Sara
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Collaboration
Collaboration has always been a core part of how I work, whether in research, mentoring, or building communities. I know how isolating scientific research can be, and I’ve seen first-hand how the right connections can spark unexpected opportunities. That’s why I dedicate time to mentoring through Women in Synthetic Biology and other programmes, and why I co-run BioAmass, a quarterly networking event for the biotech community in Nottingham. As I always say to the attendees – nothing happens if you stay in your lab or office – give serendipity a chance.
In My Own Words
When I turned 40, I felt an urgent need to leave the world in a better place for my children. The surprise I had after leaving academia (which I know would also be a surprise to many academics!) is that in the 'outside world' people aren't really interested in academic research; they want to see products and services that they can buy and use.
Now I advise early-stage companies with little to no IP experience and use my skills to help new inventions thrive. By helping these companies protect their ideas and secure investment, I know my work will leave the world a better place. Whether it's a 'steak' made from fungal mycelium or bacteria that chews up cancer, I say 'the weirder the better!'
Related News
If you're not thinking about intellectual property, you're not thinking about impact
Potter Clarkson ranked in Managing IP's IP STARS 2025
Potter Clarkson launches landmark patent landscape analysis of the SynBio revolution
.jpg)
The Cali Fund and DSI: What life sciences and biotech companies need to know now
Potter Clarkson supports launch of groundbreaking Carbon-Loop Biomanufacturing Hub
IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals 2025
A decisive moment for engineering biology: UK must act now to realise benefits
