Michael Lutz, iotaSciences & osteolabs

This week’s guest on Careers in Discovery is Michael Lutz, CEO of Iota Sciences and Osteolabs. Michael leads two innovative companies - one pioneering single-cell and stem cell handling technologies, the other developing early diagnostics for osteoporosis and bone metastasis. He shares his journey from chemist to Biotech entrepreneur, what he learns building capital-efficient businesses, and why staying close to the science keeps leadership challenging and rewarding. We talk about the realities of being a hands-on CEO in small companies, the importance of speed and execution in a crowded market, and how Michael uses communication to build trust and alignment within his teams. He also reflects on the evolving Biotech funding landscape, lessons from scaling multiple ventures, and why embracing the unknown is key to turning breakthrough ideas into successful products.