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“Our hope is that it will be possible to replace or reduce the dose of antibiotics”

One of LTH's innovators is Rajni Hatti-Kaul, Professor of Biotechnology. She has founded three companies built on a handful of patents, all of which can play a role in tackling humanity’s environmental and healthcare challenges.

– Published 23 January 2025

Rajni Hatti-Kaul.
Among other things, Rajni Hatti-Kaul has developed an enzyme product that could be used in the fight against antibiotic resistance and tuberculosis. Photo: Kennet Ruona

Where is the line between research and innovation? 

“Of course, there is a grey area when research leads to an innovation. We undertake research as long as we can create new knowledge that can be published. Sometimes in the research team, you see something that could potentially become useful as a product, process, or method to solve a problem or meet a need in society – something that doesn't require much more research, but rather involves scaling up, optimising, and evaluating for a purpose. Then it can be good for a postdoc, for example, who is interested to drive the development. I work full-time at the university and don't have time to drive the development of the innovation, I function mostly as support.” 

So, you hand things over? 

“It takes different skills to develop an innovation than it does to do the research, and I have learnt that this is not something you can just do on the side. For example, it is important to bring in a CEO who has the right experience, knowledge and network of contacts. I have chosen to stay on the sidelines as a board member of the companies I founded.”  

What energises you, and what tires you out? 

“Trying out new ideas gives me energy, and I spend a lot of time applying for funding for both research and innovation. Receiving funding for your idea is both fun and inspiring. What I find tiring and frustrating is the time it takes for an innovation to get to market, and often that's down to cost.”  

Of all the things you have created, which do you consider the most innovative? 

“I'm thinking for example of Novalysin, where we've developed an enzyme product that could be used in the fight against antibiotic resistance and tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is common in poor countries and India, where I come from, and it is difficult to treat. Our hope is that with our product, it will be possible to replace or reduce the dose of antibiotics.” 

As an innovator, what is on your wish list? 

“Although my colleagues and I managed to get government funding for the first years of development, I wish it were easier to get enough funding – government or private – to enable the development of an innovation much faster and avoid the notorious ‘valley of death’.”  

 

Molecules in purple, on black.

To benefit life and the climate

Professor Rajni Hatti-Kaul is behind research utilisations such as Bioextrax, Cyclicor and Novalysin. What they have in common is the potential to play a role in the environment, climate and health. 

More about Rajni Hatti-Kaul's research on Lucris

Young people working in an office, underneath colourful flags.

In an innovation-rich environment

At LTH, both students and researchers work hard to solve problems and contribute to socially beneficial solutions in technology development, industrial design and architecture. 

Students and researchers who want to take their knowledge and ideas further can turn to LU Innovation, Lund University's innovation office, for business advice.

LU Innovation offers free coaching to students and researchers and provides assistance with, for example, applying for funding and patents.

More about Lund University's innovation office