At most business schools, spending three days in a pharmaceutical research lab might seem unexpected. But at CSII, we do things differently. Our approach to entrepreneurship goes beyond business plans and boardrooms — it’s about exploring diverse disciplines, connecting the dots, and creating impact where it matters most.

Recently, a group of BAScii students from "Pharmaceuticals - Basic Principles and Application to Pharmacy Practice" course led by Dr. Ning Li, had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in a truly immersive, hands-on laboratory experience. For the first time, BAScii students stepped into the world of drug delivery system innovation and cancer therapy research, engaging directly with the science that shapes future healthcare solutions.

A Deep Dive into Real-World Research

Over the course of three days, students participated in a dynamic series of lab activities, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This wasn’t just about learning techniques - it was about learning to think like researchers, to test, analyze, and critically evaluate the real-world problems that science is trying to solve.

Students were introduced to cell culture techniques, cytotoxicity assays, and the fundamentals of nanoparticle formulation and characterization — powerful tools that are driving the future of targeted cancer treatments. These experiences not only expanded their skillsets, but also broadened their understanding of how innovation can take shape in unexpected places.

When Nanoparticles Meet Entrepreneurial Mindsets

The lab activities focused on a CCK-8 Assay experiment, where students tested how different nanoparticle formulations affected the viability of cancer cells. This hands-on experience helped them understand how nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery works, and how it has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy.

Complementing the experiments were lectures on photothermal therapy, a cutting-edge approach that uses heat-activated nanoparticles to target cancer cells with greater precision. While they may not have had traditional science backgrounds, these students came prepared with what every entrepreneur needs - curiosity, adaptability, and the drive to solve real problems.

Collaboration at the Core of Innovation

This experience is a reminder of what makes BAScii truly unique. While we focus on entrepreneurship, we don’t confine it to a single industry. Our students are encouraged to explore across disciplines, to work with experts in fields like healthcare, engineering, and design — and to find unexpected opportunities to innovate.

Thanks to the support and collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, our students got to access world-class facilities and mentorship. Being part of Chulalongkorn University, with its incredible breadth of knowledge and academic resources, gives CSII students an edge that’s hard to replicate.

A New Kind of Entrepreneur

This collaboration was more than just a lab trip - it was a milestone. It showed our students that innovation doesn’t have borders, and that the future belongs to those who can navigate across fields, collaborate openly, and stay curious.

As we continue to shape entrepreneurs for a new age, experiences like this are a powerful reminder that real innovation happens when when learning goes far beyond the classroom.