From the Startup Battlefield stage to the International Space Station: geCKo Materials built a sticky product

For a successful deep tech startup, the laboratory breakthrough is only the first step. To spin out an innovative technology into a scalable business, a founder has to navigate a complicated legal process. This week on Build Mode, Isabelle Johannessen speaks with Capella Kerst, founder and CEO of geCKo Materials and the 2024 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield runner up. Kerst was a Stanford PhD student, working on bio-inspired adhesives — materials modeled after the microscopic hairs that allow geckos to stick to walls. She wasn’t looking to be a founder but when she had a major breakthrough that made it possible to make the material rapidly and reliably, she knew it was a viable product. But translating a lab discovery into a startup is less about the “eureka” moment and more about everything that comes after. “I got up the courage to really address my advisor in a very like we need to have a serious conversation about me spinning out this company and starting it,” Capella said. And that conversation was the beginning of a long process of building geCKo materials. Here is a roadmap for founders spinning a product out of academia. Reach out to prior contributors. Connect with all the people who’s work lead up to the big breakthrough. Kerst offered these contributors the options to join the company, become advisors, or receive compensation. Ensure you reach the requirements for the licensing process. Kerst started conversations with Stanford’s office of Technology licensing early and she learned to spin it out, she’d need to complete her PhD. These early conversations also helped her prepare for the process to come. Form the company and lawyer up. In this case, Stanford provided a list of lawyers Kerst had to use. “I spent time interviewing lawyers and finding out about case studies, what other people got, what did you push, what didn’t work, what got pushed back on. And so I just learned a ton, picked my lawyer, and then we went at Stanford.” said Kerst, “I was like, I want a good deal, because I want this to be a big company, and I think it’ll benefit everybody.” Transition fully into the founder role. Once the licensing agreement is finalized, it’s time to shift from PhD to CEO. Five years later, geCKo Materials is continuing to scale and develop new ways to apply its adhesive technology which is being tested in applications ranging from robotics and manufacturing to automotive and even space. The company’s material is already in use on the International Space Station, and Kerst says the long-term vision includes replacing traditional attachment methods like Velcro or suction systems. Loading the player… Techcrunch event Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $410. Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $410. San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026 REGISTER NOW Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast. TechCrunch Disrupt: If you’re thinking about applying to Startup Battlefield, then October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, we’re back for TechCrunch Disrupt, where the Startup Battlefield 200 takes the stage. So if you want to cheer them on, or just network with 1000s of founders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, then grab your tickets. Use code buildmode15 for 15% off any ticket type. Isabelle Johannessen is our host. Build Mode is produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience Development is led by Morgan Little. And a special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams. Topics Academia, Build Mode, Build Mode Video, founder advice, hardware, podcast, Startups Maggie Nye Sr.

Audio Producer Maggie Nye is a Podcast Producer for TechCrunch based in Denver, Colorado. Previously, she worked as the Brand and Content Manager for BUILT BY GIRLS where she developed an interest in tech and a passion for creating equitable and welcoming professional tech spaces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in English from Hofstra University in New York. You can contact or verify outreach from Maggie by emailing maggie@techcrunch.com.

View Bio Isabelle Johannessen Head of the Startup Battlefield Program Isabelle leads Startup Battlefield, TechCrunch’s iconic launchpad and competition for the world’s most promising early-stage startups. You can contact or verify outreach from Isabelle by emailing isabelle.johannessen@techcrunch.com. She scouts top founders across 99+ countries and prepares them to pitch on the Disrupt stage in front of tier-one investors and global media. Before TechCrunch, she designed and led international startup acceleration programs across Japan, Korea, Italy, and Spain—connecting global founders with VCs and helping them successfully enter the U.S. market. With a Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Disruptive Innovation—and a past life as a professional singer—she brings a blend of strategic rigor and stage presence to help founders craft compelling stories and stand out in crowded markets.

View Bio April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited. REGISTER NOW Most Popular After sale of its shoe business, Allbirds pivots to AI Sarah Perez An Amazon warehouse worker died on the job at Oregon facility Amanda Silberling OpenAI has bought AI personal finance startup Hiro Julie Bort Stanford report highlights growing disconnect between AI insiders and everyone else Sarah Perez Sam Altman responds to ‘incendiary’ New Yorker article after attack on his home Anthony Ha France to ditch Windows for Linux to reduce reliance on US tech Zack Whittaker YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are getting more expensive Aisha Malik