What was your goal when you entered the Challenger Science program? Were you able to achieve it?

My goal was to gain the skills and knowledge that would help me and my team move our scientific idea towards a real product. At the same time, I wanted to grow - both personally and professionally - and better navigate the academic and business environment. I was eager to meet new people, make new contacts and expand my professional and friendship network. I was able to accomplish all of these goals - and more. I can confidently say that overachieved our goals at 150%.

What was the biggest "Eureka" moment for you during the programme that changed your perspective on research and its application in practice?

I experienced several key moments during the programme that fundamentally changed my perspective on research and its application in practice. The very first workshop was a powerful experience for me. I met scientists from different fields who were united by their openness, energy and willingness to collaborate. We created a unique environment full of support and friendship. Even though we were each from a different field, we enriched each other - I learned about new approaches, thinking and possibilities across the scientific spectrum. The Challenger Science programme was thoughtfully constructed. The different stages were logically linked to each other and step by step revealed to us the key components of the process of building a product - from idea to launch. Mentoring from world-class experts helped me to shift my thinking - from purely scientific to also business-oriented, which was essential for my project. My most powerful moments were during the three workshops - "How to Pitch", "Stage Presence" and during the final itself. The final was the culmination of the whole program. The intensive mentoring, in-person and online meetings with coaches gave me the tools and confidence needed to deliver a quality final pitch. Winning the Audience Award was sincerely gratifying and surprising. The positive reactions that followed continue to guide and motivate us moving forward.

What have you managed to achieve after the end of the programme? (e.g., launching a project, founding a startup, a collaboration, a new research direction)

After the end of the project, we founded the start-up INFANTSIM, expanded the team with new collaborators and prepared a European patent application in collaboration with the UK and the Slovak Academy of Sciences. We are currently finalising the prototype, with a validation and commercialisation phase ahead. We are extremely grateful to the Civitta team, all the mentors, tutors, organisers and ESET for their support - without them our idea would have remained on paper.

Which tool, approach or activity from the programme helped you the most and why?

The personal mentoring from our mentor and the regular contact - both in person and online - with the Civitta team has been a great help. There was a real sense of commitment, support, trust and togetherness. This positive energy and commitment from everyone involved has and continues to push us forward.

If you had one sentence to motivate other scientists to get involved - what would you say to them?

Challenger Science is more than just a programme - it's an experience that awakens a passion for knowledge in you. You'll open doors to topics you might never have dreamed of, you'll be supported by experts you wouldn't normally have access to, and you'll experience support that will give you the courage to go further than you've ever dared to go before.