Why Biotech Projects Fail (And What to Do About It)

Why biotech projects really fail (hint: it’s not the science

Most biotech founders I meet have brilliant science. The problem isn’t the science — it’s what happens around it.

Projects stall or collapse for reasons that have nothing to do with the lab bench:

  • Data scattered across spreadsheets and emails
  • Teams pulling in different directions
  • No clear map for regulatory or funding milestones
  • Endless investor updates that eat time but don’t build confidence

In short, the science is strong, but the project management backbone is weak.

The good news? These problems are easier to fix than you might think.

💡 One simple step: introduce a structured project review.

A regular 20–30 minute review with a clear agenda keeps everyone focused on the same milestones and risks. It also makes investor conversations smoother, because you always know exactly where you stand.

I’ve created a Project Review Agenda template that you can duplicate and use with your team right away. It covers:

✔️ Key milestones and risks

✔️ Progress since last review

✔️ Decisions needed now

✔️ Next steps with clear owners

Get your template here

It’s a small shift that can prevent months of delay later.

Because in biotech, the real risk isn’t failed experiments — it’s wasted time.

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