E86 Revolutionizing Skincare: Cristiana Banila on Epigenetics, Biotech, and the Longevity Revolution

Join us as Cristiana Banila, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Mitra Bio, shares her groundbreaking journey in the biotech and skincare industries. From her academic roots at the University of Oxford to leading innovations in non-invasive skin diagnostics, Cristiana is revolutionizing how we understand and care for our skin. Combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial grit, she’s creating tools that help people measure and enhance their skin health, driven by epigenetic biomarkers. In this episode, Cristiana dives into the science of skin aging, the challenges of launching a biotech startup, and how Mitra Bio is shaping the future of personalized skincare. She also shares her thoughts on the entrepreneurial climate in London, balancing science and business, and her vision for how longevity-focused innovations will transform the skincare industry. -Whether you’re a biotech enthusiast, skincare aficionado, or aspiring entrepreneur, Cristiana’s story is full of inspiration and insight. 🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM SCIENCE TO SKINCARE INNOVATION Cristiana’s expertise in molecular biology and epigenetics led her to co-found Mitra Bio, a company focused on using non-invasive diagnostics to analyze and improve skin health. DISRUPTING AN INDUSTRY WITH EPIGENETICS Mitra Bio’s proprietary adhesive technology measures DNA methylation to assess biological skin age, offering skincare brands a scientific edge in product development. BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BIOTECH AND CONSUMERS While working with major skincare and pharmaceutical companies, Mitra Bio is paving the way for personalized, evidence-based skincare solutions that could redefine consumer routines. NAVIGATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BIOTECH From early struggles in funding to securing major partnerships, Cristiana highlights the importance of perseverance, networking, and leveraging scientific expertise in a competitive market. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL CLIMATE IN LONDON Cristiana reflects on London’s vibrant biotech ecosystem, sharing insights into how startups benefit from collaborative communities while navigating unique funding challenges compared to the U.S. ADVICE FOR ASPIRING SCIENCE ENTREPRENEURS Cristiana emphasizes the need to identify a real market need, surround yourself with smart collaborators, and stay true to your mission. “Innovation thrives at the intersection of science and purpose.” LOOKING AHEAD: THE LONGEVITY REVOLUTION Cristiana discusses the emerging longevity revolution and how Mitra Bio’s innovations will drive a new era of skin health, enabling people to better understand and reverse signs of aging at a biological level. 🌟 RESOURCES & LINKS Learn More About Mitra Bio: mitrabio.tech Connect with Cristiana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiana-banila94/ Podcast Website: foundersecretspod.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @foundersecretspod TikTok: @foundersecrets Twitter: @founder_secrets LinkedIn: Founder Secrets Podcast 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4h59tyer WATCH THE PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foundersecretspod ⚡ SPONSORED BY DASH Optimizing workflows with top-tier remote talent for tasks like CRM management, social media, bookkeeping, and more. Focus on growing your business—Dash takes care of the rest! For more information, visit: www.hirewithdash.com 🔔 DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE! If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, AND SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with world-changing founders. 🏷 TAGS #FounderSecrets #Entrepreneurship #Biotech #SkincareInnovation #Leadership #LongevityRevolution #SponsoredByDash #RemoteWork #BusinessEfficiency