Andreea Cretu

As Head of BioMed Entrepreneurship programs at the University of Zurich, I define the strategic direction of UZH's flagship entrepreneurship initiatives in life sciences, driving integration between academic research and startup creation.

My work centers on building bridges - between academic excellence and commercial viability, between breakthrough research and real-world impact, and between brilliant scientists and the resources they need to transform healthcare. Over the past few years, through our BioEntrepreneurship & Innovation (BEI) program, I've provided business guidance and network introductions to 50+ academic researchers transitioning from lab to market.

My background spans both sides of this equation: I hold a PhD in Neuroscience from ETH Zurich and an MBA, with consulting experience supporting pharma clients in neuroscience and oncology. This unique combination allows me to speak both languages - the rigorous scientific method and the pragmatic business reality.

I'm engaged in European health policy as a Young Forum Gastein Fellow, representing Switzerland in discussions with health system leaders across Europe. I've also been selected for the BASECAMP European Leadership Program (Nov 2025), where I'll tackle complex business and democratic challenges alongside 45 young leaders from across Europe.

My passion lies in ensuring that transformative scientific discoveries don't get stuck in academic silos, but rather find their way to the patients and communities that need them most.