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We are kicking off 2026 with massive reinforcements for the Working with Startups from Science Podcast network. In Nicolas Rode, we gain not only an expert in knowledge and technology transfer but a true “Third Culture Kid” who understands innovation as a deeply human process.
A CV like an Adventure Novel
Nicolas doesn’t fit into any standard box. Growing up amidst political unrest in Nicaragua and the bustling markets of Senegal, he learned early on what adaptability and negotiation skills truly mean. His academic journey took him through Münster and France to Canada, before he got a taste of the political floor as a consultant in Brussels.
However, the real entrepreneurial leap happened in Portugal: Nicolas founded and successfully ran a surf retreat there for four seasons – “against all odds.” He brought this hands-on mentality back to Germany, where he raised millions for the “Innovative Hochschule” at the University of Potsdam and most recently helped shape the Sciencepreneurs Forum at the Falling Walls Foundation in Berlin.
The Mission: Making Innovation Tangible
As our new License Partner for Berlin, Nicolas is bringing the podcast directly to the capital. His vision is clear: A democratic and sustainable future where new technologies are accessible to everyone. In his episodes, he looks past the glossy startup facades. He visits the “engine rooms” and living labs to shed light on the invisible actors and networks that make innovation possible.
From Imposter Syndrome to Superpower
A central theme of his work is how we deal with doubt. Nicolas is convinced: Imposter Syndrome is not an obstacle, but a vital inner tension necessary for achieving great things. By reframing doubt as a “superpower,” he transforms internal resistance into a powerful drive for real innovation.
True to his surfer motto “Let’s go! It’s ON,” we look forward to retelling the phases of founding – Charging, Navigating, Landing – together with Nicolas. To meet him, just follow this link.
