From the Lab Bench to Leadership: Meet Roberto, COO of LAM-X
From the Lab Bench to Leadership: Meet Roberto, COO of LAM-X
Startups are often built on bold ideas and on people who refuse to let those ideas stay on paper. At LAM-X, a Czech deep-tech company pioneering advanced nanofiber materials, this spirit has been part of our DNA from the beginning. One of the key architects of our direction and growth is our COO, Roberto, a scientist by training, an innovator by instinct, and a leader who has helped guide LAM-X beyond the boundaries of traditional medical applications.
His journey to this role didn’t follow the usual path you’d expect for a COO.
In fact, it began where many scientific breakthroughs do: at the lab bench.
Q: Roberto, could you start by introducing your background and how you first got involved with LAM-X?
A: I’m both a scientist and entrepreneur. My journey began in chemistry — a field I’ve always loved. During my Master’s in Barcelona, I shifted more toward biotechnology, working on protein encapsulation for asthma treatment, protein expression, purification strategies, and construct design. But chemistry was still always there.
For my PhD, I returned fully to chemistry, this time focusing on polymers and boron chemistry. It was a steep learning curve, but it gave me a strong foundation in polymer science and a deeper understanding of how materials behave on a molecular level. That combination eventually led me to LAM-X.
Q: What makes LAM-X’s technology interesting and versatile?
A: Our strength lies not only in nanofiber membrane production, but also in understanding how materials behave under different conditions. That opened doors we didn’t initially expect — for example, developing a completely new Western blot membrane.
That market has been dominated by PVDF and nitrocellulose for decades. But fluorinated polymers are increasingly questioned for their environmental impact. With electrospinning, we can create a sustainable, high-quality alternative that’s greener, cheaper, and scalable. It’s rare to get all three at once.
Q: Startups often pivot quickly. How did LAM-X manage to create a new product so fast?
A: Three factors made it possible:
- A strong library of materials we had already tested.
- Deep know-how in post-processing and manufacturing.
- The right network of beta users and industrial partners.
When a market leader pointed out a real gap, we were able to test ideas immediately, troubleshoot fast, and deliver a validated product within months. It was preparation meeting opportunity — with a lot of speed in between.
Q: Scalability is always a challenge in materials science. How do you see it with your approach?
A: Electrospinning is not only innovative, it’s inherently scalable. Unlike phase inversion techniques, it’s simpler, uses fewer harmful solvents, and is more cost-effective. And the Czech Republic is already a global hub for nanofiber production — so we’re building on strong industrial foundations.
Q: What advice would you give scientists who are thinking about joining or starting a startup?
A: Joining and starting are two very different experiences.
- Joining broadens your view. A PhD narrows your focus; a startup forces you to learn about customers, suppliers, communication — things you never encounter in the lab.
- Starting is even harder. Scientists tend to over-explain and dive into details that don’t matter for business. You need to learn to simplify your message so that anyone can understand the problem you’re solving.
My advice is: start by joining a startup. It’s a smoother transition, and you’ll understand the culture from the inside before you try to build your own.
Q: How can scientists in the Czech Republic get into startups?
A: Many simply don’t know where to begin because they don’t speak the “startup language.” But opportunities exist — networking events, incubators, career days. Just showing up, Googling “startup events,” and meeting people can open more doors than you’d expect.
In the startup world, people matter more than anything. Your network is your currency.
Q: What have you learned from being part of the leadership at LAM-X?
A: Leadership is both a responsibility and a privilege. It’s not only about giving everything to the company — it’s also about supporting the team. Helping people grow, creating space for creativity, and passing on what you’ve learned along the way. That’s one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.