Ryerson entrepreneur trusts her gut

You are what you eat – this is a fundamental principle behind uBioDiscovery (external link) ’s SUPERBIOME kit, designed to promote gut health.

The company’s health just got a boost as well, as co-founder Aly Burtch recently received an $8,000 Stage 2 Esch Development Award. The award supports students who have completed formal market research that substantiates there is market demand for their product or service.

We asked Burtch, a biology grad currently enrolled in the Master of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MEIE) program, about her company, how the MEIE program has helped her business, and her advice for other budding entrepreneurs.

What is your business all about?

The human microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria inside of our bodies that work together to play a fundamental role in immune function, metabolism, digestion and mood. At uBioDiscovery, we believe that there is no such thing as a universal healthy diet.

We have launched a gut microbiome monitoring program that provides each customer with a complete breakdown of their gut bacteria and customized dietary suggestions tailored specifically to their unique microbiome profile.

Our SUPERBIOME kit is optimal for people affected by digestive disorders, those who are trying to lose weight, and anyone else who is driven to improve their overall health.

Why did you enter the MEIE program and how has it helped your business?

I studied biology at Ryerson for my undergraduate degree, and my co-founder, Alejandro Saettone, is completing his PhD in molecular science at Ryerson. We knew that we had the science side of the business covered, but we felt like we were lacking the business expertise in order to really develop the venture. 

I am now halfway through the program and I have already learned so much.

In the first semester, we really focused on validating our customers' pain points and learning how to craft a successful pitch. Currently, I am learning how to create financial statements and ensure that the business is sustainable.

After struggling to do corporate taxes two years in a row, I have to say that my financial planning class has been a life saver. I feel much more confident in making business decisions and attending pitch competitions, and I imagine this confidence will continue to grow as I get closer to the end of the program. 

Besides the Esch Award, what other grants have you received?

One of the very first grants that we received was from the Kimel Family Campus-Linked Accelerator Fund. This grant provided us with the funding to manufacture our first batch of kits, which allowed us to start marketing our service.

We had already received a small amount of funding that was used on web development, and this $7,500 from Ryerson and the Kimel family was just what we needed to be able to start selling.

We received the DMZ Sandbox Student Grant Stage 1 Award and recently received the Stage 2 Award, as well.

What are your short- and long-term goals for the business?

Talking to customers and building our customer base is an important short term goal. We want to hear from our customers and learn more about their pain points and interests.

We are also hoping to work with naturopathic doctors and dietitians in the near future, so networking with these healthcare professionals and finding ways to partner with them is extremely important to us.

Long term goals include expanding our team, implementing additional tests on our platform, and expanding to international markets.

Do you have any advice for budding Ryerson entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey?

My advice to any new entrepreneurs is to go for it!

It can be a scary thought to run a business, however it is your own and you can turn it into whatever you want it to be. Find a mentor early on that you can really count on, and be completely honest with them about your hopes for the business, and your fears.

You may feel lonely at times, but having a support system of other entrepreneurs who are going through the same process, and mentors who have been where you have been, make a world of difference.

As both myself and my co-founder are Ryerson students, having entrepreneurship resources available on campus, including working with the Science Discovery Zone when we were first starting out, has allowed us to work on the venture while also completing our studies. Ryerson has played an integral role in the development of uBioDiscovery.

Learn more about the Esch Awards by visiting the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CEIE) website.