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Letters from leaders: Dr. Jonatan Scharff Willners – From maritime robotics researcher to CEO

The bow of a ship sailing through water

Welcome to the “Letters from Leaders” series, where we spotlight inspiring Heriot-Watt alumni who are leading change, driving innovation, and shaping the future across industries. These blog posts go beyond traditional profiles, offering a behind-the-scenes look at alumni journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of leaders.

An enterprising academic standing against a plain background

In this installment, we delve into the journey of Dr. Jonatan Scharff Willners, CEO of Frontier Robotics. From his PhD in Maritime Robotics at Heriot-Watt to founding his own company, Jonatan shares his experiences of spinning out a startup, overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship, and leveraging Heriot-Watt’s enterprise support to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

Early Life

Jonatan's academic journey wasn't straightforward. Although he excelled in mathematics from an early age, he often felt unchallenged at school and consequently didn’t put much effort into his studies. It wasn’t until he arrived at university that he found himself surrounded by like-minded individuals and began to enjoy learning. The university environment challenged him in ways that school never did, sparking a passion for his studies.

Time at Heriot-Watt

Jonatan thoroughly enjoyed his time at Heriot-Watt University. He appreciated the hands-on approach of his course, which focused on practical projects rather than just theoretical knowledge. This method of teaching provided him with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and valuable experience that would serve him well in the industry.

During his postdoctoral research, Jonatan decided to spin out his research into a company. His work in maritime robotics attracted significant interest from the industry, with numerous inquiries about how his innovations could be scaled for industrial use. This interest gave Jonatan the confidence to pursue the idea of turning his research into a business, leading him to approach Heriot-Watt’s business development and enterprise team for support.

The process began with writing a business plan and developing a close relationship with the Enterprise team, who provided guidance and resources. Even now, as his company is based on the Heriot-Watt campus, Jonatan continues to receive support from the university, including industry updates and meetings with developers to aid in the ongoing development of his business.

Finding Your Passion and Becoming a CEO

Originally from Sweden, Jonatan was always close to water and developed an interest in robotics around the age of 19 or 20. When it came time to choose a subject for his PhD, Heriot-Watt’s program in Maritime Robotics seemed like the perfect fit, allowing him to combine his two passions.

Jonatan’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early; at 15, he started his first business selling skateboards on his island, recognizing an opportunity where no shop existed. The venture was a success, but he had to close it when he moved to the mainland, to Stockholm. Despite this setback, his entrepreneurial drive remained strong.

How to Spin Out or Start Up Your Own Company

Jonatan’s journey from researcher to entrepreneur began with a fellowship in enterprise and engineering, a scheme offered by Heriot-Watt to help academics spin out companies. Working in the Robotarium on Heriot-Watt’s campus provided the ideal environment for Jonatan to develop his business while continuing to work on active projects. This setup allowed him to maintain a balance between his research and his entrepreneurial ambitions.

For students aspiring to start their own companies, Jonatan’s advice is to first find their passion. Once they have identified their area of interest, they should reach out to the business and enterprise team at Heriot-Watt and connect with Scottish Enterprise. These organizations provide invaluable support and guidance for budding entrepreneurs.

Being a CEO

One of the biggest challenges Jonatan faces as a CEO, particularly in a startup, is managing cash flow. Securing funding and maintaining it can be difficult, especially when costs often outweigh the revenue. This challenge became especially stressful when Jonatan hired four employees last year. He realized that it was now up to him to ensure that these employees were paid each month, which added a new layer of responsibility and pressure.

Securing early funding was tough, but Jonatan was fortunate to receive several grants and participate in accelerators, thanks in large part to the preparation and support he received from Heriot-Watt. The university played a hands-on role in helping him pitch his company, get into exhibitions, and connect with industry professionals. This support was crucial in making his entrepreneurial dream a reality.

Jonatan believes that with the right support from the university, combined with personal resilience and passion, anyone can become a CEO.

Advice for Students

Jonatan offers several pieces of advice for current students and aspiring entrepreneurs:

  • Find and Do What You Love: Passion is key to success. When you are passionate about your work, you are more motivated and perform better. Jonatan emphasizes the importance of following your interests to ensure long-term satisfaction and success.
  • Take Advantage of Support and Learning Opportunities: Heriot-Watt offers a wealth of resources, including teaching and support services. Jonatan regrets not taking full advantage of these opportunities, particularly in areas like presentation, communication, and leadership skills, which are essential for aspiring CEOs.
  • Show Your Passion: When Jonatan looks for graduates, he prioritizes their passion over the specific course they studied. He values candidates who can demonstrate their understanding and enthusiasm for their projects, as this indicates a deeper engagement with their work.
  • Make Connections: Networking is vital, but Jonatan advises focusing on building personal connections or finding a mentor. He regrets not being more proactive in seeking out professional advice early in his career. Overcoming shyness and reaching out to professionals could have simplified his journey.

Jonatan Scharff Willners’ journey from a student with a burgeoning interest in robotics to the CEO of a successful company underscores the power of combining passion with practical experience. His story highlights the critical role Heriot-Watt University plays in supporting its students and alumni in achieving their entrepreneurial goals.

Written by Amelie Marr