We at Zirka InnoTech are privileged to collaborate with brilliant women in the field of science and technology, who continuously push forward innovation, shaping the future of our societies. To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are launching a series of articles presenting some of these inspiring women and their work.
Zirka InnoTech is a team of three women from different parts of the world and with diverse expertise in the research and innovation sector. In this final article of the campaign, we hear about the career journeys of the Zirka team itself: Founder and CEO Carmen Palomino, Senior Graphic Designer Sandra Reguer, and Communication Manager Kira Keini.
What is your current role, and in which area of science, technology, or innovation do you work?
Carmen: Zirka InnoTech is a business development company for the technology and innovation ecosystem nailed attached to the European research ecosystem. Our mission is to catalyse financing resources, promote new technologies and innovation in Europe and beyond, and provide tech transfer and business development for new ventures.
What first sparked your interest in this field or motivated you to pursue a career in science, technology, or innovation?
Carmen: When I started my career, I was already motivated to transform science into innovation and make an impact on our society, helping the companies behind their development. Although my career seemed non-linear at some point, I now see it has been coherent with my initial motivation. I was first a researcher in biotechnology and molecular biology, with a focus in microbiology. I then turned into an entrepreneur in a biotech company for its first year, before moving to Switzerland with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowship for a project aiming to develop a new disease treatment approach. After that, I became an innovation consultant working with more than 30 European deep tech companies. Since 2023, as a company, we are doing our best to catalyse innovation with a broad approach: funding, awareness, and realisation.
Kira: When I was at university studying communication and media, I really wanted to get hands-on experience from communication and marketing and applied to multiple places for an internship. I got contacted by an agency focusing on science communication and ended up working at the company for multiple years and continued in the field ever since. I am dedicated to using my skills to have a positive impact on society, and making science visible is a way for me to do that.
Sandra: Although my training is not strictly scientific, my interest in science began as a personal one, and I was able to connect it with my current profession: graphic design. I had the opportunity to collaborate with an NGO in Mexico dedicated to research, teaching and scientific dissemination of biodiversity, and that experience ended up reinforcing my attraction and amazement. At the same time, it allowed me to discover an area of opportunity where my profession could merge with science as a complement to dissemination.
From your experience, what has it been like to work in this sector as a woman?
Carmen: Sometimes, as a woman, I have seen the crystal ceiling in science and more recently, but to a lesser extent, as a founder of a company in the innovation sector. In my mentality, I have never seen and accepted differences in competencies and capacities between women and men. I think prejudges are due to education and how we have been raised as kids. That is why it is crucial to make visible and normalise the leadership of women in science and tech.
Sandra: My approach to the world of science has been rewarding. Through Zirka InnoTech—a company composed and led by women—I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on major research projects and with highly talented scientists.
What is one of the most important lessons you have learned throughout your professional career?
Kira: Focus on what you are doing and try not to compare yourself to others. Especially at the beginning of my career, I suffered from impostor syndrome because I felt I wasn’t as smart or skilled as other people around me and was waiting for everyone to notice it. I worried a lot about what others thought about me, which was really consuming.
Carmen: Always pursue your dreams and professional interests and nurture yourself with new knowledge, especially if it is not your field of expertise. Multidisciplinarity means mental and soul enrichment.
Sandra: One opportunity always leads us to another even greater. Make the most of it.
Some people are clear about their goals at a very early age, while others take longer to figure it out. But the beauty of navigating different areas is that it nourishes you with experiences and adds perspectives to your overall outlook on life. So, be patient and stay committed.
In your view, what do women contribute to the science and innovation ecosystem?
Sandra: First and foremost, their greatest contribution is setting an example for other women and girls. They contribute by inspiring and reshaping the standards and stereotypes that, to this day, continue to hold many women back. I hope that the day will come when these questions are no longer necessary, because that would mean we are living in a spirit of continuous collaboration. I believe that science is a world where all minds are needed.
Kira: For science to excel, it needs diversity in all its forms. I don’t think we can even talk about these concepts without women involved in the equation. I’m terrified of the idea that knowledge would only be created and shared by one group of people; it wouldn’t realistically reflect our world.
Carmen: To science, women bring empathy and attention to detail. To innovation, women contribute prudence, especially from an investment perspective during financing rounds and in the execution of ambitious projects once they are funded. In addition, innovation benefits from their strong management skills.
What advice would you give to girls and women who are considering a career in science or innovation?
Kira: Don’t think twice; your contributions are needed. Women have so many qualities that make a difference in creating excellent science. Although the academic world is increasingly diverse, we still need more role models to inspire future generations of female scientists to the field.
Carmen: Enjoy as much as possible and stay committed to your career and personal development. My other advice is to strengthen bonds with other women and always count on the support of male colleagues.
Sandra: The world of science is extremely diverse and can be overwhelming and confusing when it comes to choosing a path. My advice is: try, make mistakes, and allow yourself to change course if necessary. Be true to your convictions and do not let anything or anyone take away your sense of wonder.
