Before she joined the Deep Science Ventures (DSV) PhD program, Winnie Wambugu had no idea she could blend academic research with running a startup.
Wambugu is the co-founder and managing director of Nakuru Tubers, a startup in Kenya focused on improving seed potatoes for smallholder farmers.
Now, she’s also a PhD candidate in the innovative Deep Science Doctorate program, which merges academia with entrepreneurship. This program, started by Dr. Thane Campbell, addresses the gap between science and business. Dr. Campbell believes in exploring ideas that lie at the junction of scientific research and commercial success.
In a recent conversation, Wambugu shared her journey through the DSV program and how it supports her dual roles as a researcher and a business leader.
AgFunderNews: Did agriculture play a big role in your background?
Winnie Wambugu: Yes! In high school, we all had to grow vegetables in our own kitchen gardens. That sparked my interest. I pursued a degree in agronomy and have always aimed to boost food security and support smallholder farmers.
AFN: How did you get into the Deep Science Ventures program?
WW: During my master’s degree, I wasn’t thinking about entrepreneurship; I just wanted to finish my research and publish my findings. After obtaining a grant from the European Union, I started looking for jobs but couldn’t find one for six months. A professor suggested I consider starting my own business.
So, I returned to Kenya, wrote a proposal, and received support from the World Food Programme to innovate seed potatoes. The demand from smallholder farmers was huge—only 2% of their needs were being met. With help from the World Food Programme, I conducted market research, validated the product, and launched my startup, reaching around 2,000 farmers.
At first, I was just exploring, but when the demand grew, I decided to focus on my business seriously. That’s when I discovered the DSV program.
AFN: What was your first impression of the DSV program?
WW: I was excited! I never imagined a program could combine entrepreneurship and a PhD. It felt like a perfect fit.
AFN: What has stood out for you during this experience?
WW: The hybrid nature of the program is fantastic. I can juggle my business and academic work, which is essential. The networking opportunities are incredible, too. I connected with many venture capital firms and founders, all in one place. Plus, the DSV community on Slack helps us support each other.
The ability to conduct research at various universities is also a huge benefit. I have access to numerous resources that support my work.
AFN: How important are university partnerships for this program?
Dr. Thane Campbell: Very important. We’ve built strong collaborations with leading agricultural research organizations, such as CGIAR and the University of Edinburgh. These partnerships allow us to connect innovative candidates like Winnie with cutting-edge research in agriculture, genetics, and technology.
AFN: What qualities do candidates need to succeed in this program?
Dr. Campbell: Candidates should have a mix of determination, magnetism, and varied expertise—scientific, technical, and problem-solving skills are crucial. We look for creative thinkers focused on practical solutions to real-world challenges.
AFN: Winnie, what specific areas are you exploring in your research?
WW: I’m keeping an open mind but hope to tackle post-harvest losses. There’s a lot of potential to find solutions.
Dr. Campbell: We’re looking for candidates like Winnie who approach challenges scientifically yet remain flexible. It’s important to consider various solutions for complex problems in agriculture.
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