Bioentrepreneurship alumnus Adam builds the first Slovak Health Technology Assessment agency

Adam Marťák, an alumnus of the Master's Programme in Bioentrepreneurship at Karolinska Institutet (KI), has made significant contributions to the field of health technology assessment (HTA) in Slovakia. Prior to studying Bioentrepreneurship, Adam completed his studies in molecular biology at the University of Sheffield in the UK and gained experience working in the commercial side of life sciences.

Motivated to enhance his skillset with business administration acumen, Adam chose to pursue further education in business, specifically focusing on life sciences. The Bioentrepreneurship program at KI stood out to him as one of the few programs that offered this perspective, and KI's reputation as a world-leading medical university influenced his decision to join.

Adam reflects positively on his time at KI, particularly appreciating the institution's capability to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications. He highlights the availability of scientific commercial expertise and capital, which he later realized is not common in Europe. He also enjoyed class trips and the vibrant nightlife in Stockholm.

Currently, Adam is a member of the core team involved in establishing the first Slovak Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agency. HTA agencies play a crucial role in informing policy makers on drug pricing and reimbursement decisions. His multidisciplinary team is working on spinning the agency out of the Ministry of Health while conducting HTA activities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they have been busy with various projects, including COVID-19 related assessments.

Adam credits his studies at KI for providing him with a top-notch degree, a strong professional and personal network, and unique expertise. The combination of scientific and commercial acumen is rare, and he sees it as a unique selling point of Bioentrepreneurship graduates.

Currently, Adam is focused on establishing and operating the HTA agency, considering it a way to give back to his home country. In the future, he envisions himself continuing to work in the healthcare and life science field, recognizing the growing importance of biology in the 21st century.

Adam advises students to not only explore the intriguing course curriculum and different work settings during practical placements but also to take advantage of what Stockholm and KI have to offer beyond the program itself. He emphasizes the importance of networking as a key factor for success.