Jakob’s journey as an entrepreneur – from idea to health tech startup

Jakob Junker Jeppesen describes his main motivation as developing solutions that make a real difference for other people.

“Making a difference for others is what drives me.”

Jakob: If you’re not ready to start your own project, try entrepreneurship by working in someone else’s startup. It’s a great way to learn.

His entrepreneurial journey began back in 2017, when an inspiring talk on entrepreneurship sparked his curiosity about how ideas can be turned into real solutions. Jakob has developed the company Neurone, which creates digital solutions for chronic neurological conditions.

Their first product is called EpiLink. EpiLink is a mobile app where users can quickly and easily log their seizures, share data with their doctor, and access validated knowledge and community support through collaboration with the Danish Epilepsy Association. In 2022, Jakob moved from North Jutland to Odense after an investor offered him office space in the city.

Since then, he has developed and expanded his health tech company in close collaboration with seven Danish hospitals. The platform aims to make it faster and easier for both patients and healthcare professionals to access relevant information in one place. Alongside running and developing his business, Jakob is also managing his HA studies.

He explains that the combination of his degree and SDU’s StartUp Station has been crucial for his company. Start Up Station is an initiative that supports students in building their own startups during their studies by providing facilities, mentoring, and business development.

• StartUp Station has provided him with guidance, access to mentors, a strong professional network, and connections to experts in health technology and regulation.

• His HA studies have helped him translate theory into practice and apply tools from his courses directly to his startup, especially in subjects like entrepreneurship, business development, and marketing.
  
  
• In the coming semesters, he sees an opportunity to learn more about economics and finance, which he can directly apply to his business.

Jakob’s advice to students considering entrepreneurship

Jakob offers the following recommendations for those curious about entrepreneurship:

You can’t force ideas
Good ideas often arise naturally and unexpectedly. Don’t try to force them but be ready when they appear.

Seek out entrepreneurial environments
You become better at developing ideas when you surround yourself with people who think innovatively. At SDU, StartUp Station can play an important role by giving you access to both entrepreneurs and experienced mentors.

Use your network actively
You can’t do everything alone. Reach out to people who can help and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Build a broad network
A strong network makes it easier and faster to execute ideas. Attend events and connect with people from different professional backgrounds. It opens up far more opportunities.

Leverage the snowball effect
Knowing one person can open the door to five more and they open doors to even more. That’s how you build the right connections.

Start small - test it