ASEF Podcast (SLO): From Bacteriophages to Biotech Entrepreneurship with Frenk Smrekar [Episode #53]
In this episode of the ASEF Podcast, host Zara Bunc talks with Dr. Frenk Smrekar, co-founder and CEO of the Slovenian biotech company JAFRAL, which develops innovative therapeutic solutions based on bacteriophages.
Dr. Smrekar began his career in an academic research environment, working on the development and production of biological therapeutics, before transitioning into entrepreneurship and founding JAFRAL. The company operates at the intersection of science, industry, and clinical application, focusing on phage therapy as a response to the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, as well as on establishing standardized GMP manufacturing for biological therapeutics.
The conversation is part of a broader reflection on how scientific discoveries are translated into real-world therapeutic products and the role that industry plays compared to academia in this process.
In the episode, the guest explains the mechanism of bacteriophages and their potential as an alternative to antibiotics, as well as the challenges of developing personalized therapies. A central part of the discussion is dedicated to the transition from laboratory research to industrial production, where GMP standards represent a crucial step toward clinical application and commercialization.
They also discuss the challenges of building a biotech startup in Slovenia, including fundraising, regulatory hurdles, and company development in a demanding environment. A special focus is placed on the difference in mindset between a scientist and a CEO, and the importance of multidisciplinary thinking in leading a deep-tech company.
In the second part of the episode, the discussion turns to the future of biotechnology, where bacteriophages intersect with advanced approaches such as artificial intelligence and CRISPR technologies, as well as the broader One Health concept linking human, animal, and environmental health. The episode concludes with reflections on the key skills needed for young researchers and entrepreneurs in the biotech space.