Kolabtree: How Ashmita Das Built the World's Largest Freelance Platform for Scientists
“I realized that a lot of science was simply not easily accessible or affordable; The idea was to help businesses access scientific knowledge, while also enabling scientists to work on impactful, real-world projects.'“ Meet Ashmita Das, a trailblazer in the world of science. The co-founder of Kolabtree, the largest freelance platform for scientists, wants to bring researchers and businesses together for innovation. With a life-long passion for science, she shares her story, and her advice to budding scientists! Enjoy her story below!
1. Tell us your story. What inspired your lifelong passion for science?
I've always admired scientists for their many years of study and the depth of expertise that they build. Personally, I love that science focuses on finding the truth through an iterative process that keeps building on previous findings.
2.You are the co-founder of Kolabtree, the largest freelance platform for scientists. What sparked the idea for this venture? What was the need you saw?
In my previous organization, I was working on a product that needed inputs from an NLP expert. I reached out to local universities for specialists but arrived at a dead end. This made me think that surely this was a challenge that other organizations were facing too. It seemed quite difficult to be able to consult a specialist, on demand. I realized that a lot of science was simply not easily accessible or affordable. Researchers have a lot of talent and knowledge that more people should have access to for innovation and business. The idea was to help businesses access scientific knowledge, while also enabling scientists to work on impactful, real-world projects.
3. What are some exciting projects you and the company have planned for 2021? What is your advice to young scientists?
We're focused on building and enhancing the platform to make it even easier for experts and businesses to collaborate. We hope to provide more opportunities for scientists, consultants and industry experts to work on interesting projects while adding to their income. With the remote work revolution, more scientists than ever before have joined the expert economy. We hope to connect them with businesses looking for their niche skills.
My advice to young scientists to take up a variety of projects, including business and industry-related projects outside of their speciality, as research efforts and their application are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary.
4. As a #Dreamcatchers platform, we have to ask, what is your next big dream?
For the moment, my vision is for Kolabtree to become the go-to platform for businesses looking to work with experts. I believe the collaboration across borders and disciplines is key for innovation. On a personal note, I never imagined I’d get the chance to run a start up one day! Who knows what next – maybe become a serial entrepreneur or an author – I'm open to what the future holds.
Thank you Ashmita for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
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