A storyboard is “a graphic organizer that consists of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a video, animation, or motion graphic” (Wikipedia).
In short, it’s the first visual version of your story, before any animation starts.
A storyboard in science animation is the invisible backbone of every powerful scientific video. It’s where complex ideas begin to take visual shape—long before motion, color, or narration come into play.
But what exactly is it? And why is it essential for turning life science into a story that sticks?
Let’s break it down.
Inside a Storyboard in Science Animation: Real Example
Take a look at this example from a storyboard in science animation we created for a medtech company:
At first glance, you see a sketched woman in a medical chair, visibly tense. A masked doctor prepares an instrument—the tenaculum. It’s not animated yet. It’s not voiced. But everything is already there: emotion, clarity, and impact.
Now let’s break down what this storyboard frame includes:
Voice-over text: “But its insertion is very painful and feared by millions of women worldwide.” → This comes directly from the script and drives the emotional message.
Scene description: “We see the doctor and the woman in the chair. She is scared. The doctor is about to insert the tenaculum.” → This guides the illustrator and later the animator on what exactly must be shown.
Sketch: A simple but clear visual that shows framing, perspective, and mood.
Why a Storyboard in Science Animation Matters
A storyboard in science animation does much more than organize ideas. It:
1. Aligns Everyone Before Production
Scientists, creatives, and stakeholders often speak different languages. The storyboard creates a common visual and narrative reference point for all.
2. Simplifies Feedback and Revision
It’s far easier (and cheaper) to revise sketches and descriptions than full animations. This saves time, budget, and frustration.
And we go as far as needed—our clients can request as many revision rounds as necessary. They get a clear idea of what will be shown and can shape the story exactly as they envision it.
3. Turns Complex Science into a Clear Visual Flow
Whether it’s a molecular pathway or a medical device in use, a storyboard in science animation helps define what the viewer sees, in what order, and how it all connects.
Why Storyboarding Is the Hardest—and Most Crucial—Step
Translating plain script text into a storyboard in science animation is the most challenging part of the production.
Why? Because it requires a rare mix of:
Scientific understanding – to grasp what’s truly important,
Creativity and illustration skills – to visualize it clearly,
Animation expertise – to ensure everything flows logically and emotionally.
This step is where we transform knowledge into narrative. It’s not just drawing—it’s story architecture.
What Comes After the Storyboard in Science Animation?
Once the storyboard is fully approved, we move on to the designboard.
Here’s how it works:
Every scene is fully illustrated in the final style.
Colors, lighting, tone, and detail are added.
It looks exactly like the finished video—just not moving yet.
Only after this designboard is approved do we begin the animation. This way, there are no surprises—just a smooth path forward.
The Power of a Well-Built Storyboard in Science Animation
Without a storyboard, science animations can easily become vague or confusing. With a strong storyboard, every second of your video is purposeful, clear, and memorable.
So next time you watch a science video that just works—chances are, it started with a well-crafted storyboard in science animation.
Want to see how your science story would look in storyboard form?
Let’s chat. We’ll turn your breakthrough into a clear, compelling visual story—frame by frame.
How New Medicines Are Made – And Why Science Cuts Hurt Everyone
How New Medicines Are Made – And Why Cutting Research Hurts Everyone
💡 Wondering how new medicines are made? We created a 2-minute video, The Climb, for No Patient Left Behind to explain it visually: 👉 Watch the full video
How New Medicines Are Made: Every Cure Starts With a Funded Idea
If we want more cures, we need more ideas. And if we want more ideas, we must fund research.
Scientists in university labs generate the knowledge that drives new treatments. They test early theories. They explore what no one else has. These first steps are fragile. Without funding, the journey never begins.
That’s where how new medicines are made really starts—far before any clinical trial or company launch.
We Visualized How New Medicines Are Made – Here’s Why It Matters
To explain this clearly, we turned the process into a mountain climb.
Each base camp represents a key scientific milestone.
The summit stands for the few drugs that reach patients.
The climb itself shows how difficult it is to get there.
Without early support, no one builds the base camps. And without those, no one makes it to the top.
This simple metaphor helps people outside science finally grasp how new medicines are made.
Cutting Research Funding Stops Progress Before It Starts
Let’s be honest – cutting science budgets kills momentum.
When funding dries up, early-stage projects disappear. Young researchers move on. Promising leads stall out. Patients end up waiting for drugs that never come.
If fewer people start the climb, fewer discoveries reach the summit. That’s not just a theory. It’s a fact.
Therefore, if we care about lives and health, we must consider the process of creating new medicines from the outset.
We Often Celebrate the Outcome – But Forget the Climb
When a new drug gets approved, we cheer. But we rarely look back.
We forget the decade of research that made it possible. We overlook the funding that kept it alive in the early stages. And we ignore the quiet scientists who pushed forward when no one was watching.
That’s why we made this video – to remind people what it takes.
Watch the Video: How New Medicines Are Made
👉 Watch The Climb – a short animation that shows how new medicines are made, from early research to final approval.
How to Make a Science Video Yourself (Even With Zero Budget)
How to Make a Science Video Yourself (Even With Zero Budget)
Want to turn your research into a story people remember? Start with our guide on science storytelling for biotech founders—and learn how to explain your science in a way that connects, even on a tight budget.
Many scientists assume a professional science video must cost thousands. But that’s not always true.
If you’re just getting started—and don’t have budget yet—you can still create a clear, effective video with nothing but your phone and your ideas.
Here’s how to make a science video yourself, in just a few steps.
🎯 Step 1: How to make a science video yourself: Write a Short, Clear Script
Start by writing a script of about 260 words. Keep it simple. Focus on:
🖼️ Step 2: How to make a science video yourself: Add One Visual
Use a clear illustration of your technology. It doesn’t have to be fancy—an existing slide, hand sketch, or schematic works.
What matters is giving your audience something to see while you speak.
📱 Step 3: how to make a science video yourself: Record With Your Phone
Find good natural light or use a basic ring light. Use a $40 wireless mic for better sound (your phone’s audio is usually not enough). Record in a quiet space, looking into the lens.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Keep it under 2 minutes.
âś… What You Don’t Need (But People Think You Do)
You don’t need a:
Director
Script doctor
Makeup artist
Drone
Video crew
Special effects
Really—you don’t even need a “set.” Just good content, sound, and lighting.
🧰 The Only Equipment You Really Need to make a science video yourself
A smartphone with a decent camera A $40 wireless microphone A $30 ring light with tripod and phone holder
Total? Just $70. And you’re ready to post it on LinkedIn, send it to investors, or add it to your website.
đź’ˇ Why This Works
Your audience doesn’t want perfection. They want to understand.
A short, simple science video builds trust faster than any pitch deck. It shows clarity, confidence, and that you care about your communication.
👇 Bonus Tip
Still want it to look a bit better? Record 3 takes. Pick the one where you sound the most natural. Then trim the start and end in your phone’s video editor.
Simple.
🚀 Final Thought
Making a science video in 2024 doesn’t require a crew, a budget, or even experience.
It just takes a script, a visual, and your voice.
And if you ever want to level up from DIY to studio-level storytelling, we’re here to help.
For a practical example of how to film a video with just your phone, check out Ali Abdaal’s guide on how to film YouTube videos on your phone.He covers everything from lighting and audio to framing, making it a valuable resource for beginners.
Best 3D Science Animation Alternatives for Biotech Companies
Best 3D Science Animation Alternatives (Studios offering Full 3D)
If you’re looking for premium 3D visuals, here are the top 3D science animation studios in 2025:
3DforScience – Specializes in pharmaceutical 3D visuals and MoA animations
Amoeba Studios – Combines scientific expertise with artistic storytelling in 3D
Cromatic – Offers clean, detailed 3D animations for biotech and pharma
Helix Animation – Focuses on medical devices and procedure animations in 3D
MadMicrobe Studios – Known for cinematic 3D and stylized visual storytelling
Random42 – A global agency offering full 3D, VR, and AR experiences for life sciences
The Best 3D Science Animation Alternative Isn’t Always 3D
At Life Science Animation, we believe clarity beats complexity. That’s why we offer:
✅ Hybrid 2D/3D Animation — The Best 3D Alternative
We often model objects in 3D, but animate them in a “flat” 2D space. There’s no moving camera or full scene rendering — which means you get:
A 3D look and feel
Much faster timelines
Significantly lower costs than full 3D
It’s perfect for showing complex structures, pathways, or delivery mechanisms — especially in pitch decks, websites, or early-stage fundraising.
✅ Pure 2D Animation — Often All You Need
In many cases, you don’t need any 3D at all.
When the goal is to tell a clear story — for investors, partners, or patients — 2D can be more effective. It lets you focus on key ideas without visual overload. It’s faster, simpler, and gets results.
We’ve helped over 300 life science companies explain their science with 2D videos starting at €6,500 / USD.
Which Science Animation Style Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide:
Use Case
Recommended Style
Early-stage biotech pitch
2D
MOA with molecular detail
2D, Hybrid, or Full 3D
Website explainer
2D or Hybrid
Investor deck
2D or Hybrid
Big pharma product launch
Full 3D
Conclusion: Best 3D Science Animation Alternative?
Full 3D studios deliver great work — but they aren’t always the right fit, especially for biotech startups.
If you’re looking for speed, clarity, and cost-effectiveness, our hybrid 2D/3D approach offers the perfect balance: âś” 3D visuals, without 3D complexity.
And if your message is mostly about storytelling and clarity, our pure 2D animations may be all you need to spark investor interest and communicate your breakthrough.
Ready to choose the right style for your science? Let’s talk.
Read more about the benefits of 2D for fundraising rounds here.
And here about the importance of Video Marketing for life sciences.
4 Mistakes in Science Communication – And How to Avoid Them
Mistakes in Science Communication — And How to Avoid Them
Why Clear Science Communication Matters
Even groundbreaking science can be misunderstood if it’s not communicated clearly. Investors, partners, or even scientists from other fields might struggle to follow your mechanism of action (MoA) if the visuals are vague or the text is too technical.
Take Merida Biosciences, for example. Their drug is designed to destroy autoantibodies—the ones that attack your own body and cause autoimmune diseases. It’s a smart and exciting approach.
We like their science. We like their visuals. But even great work can be easier to follow.
Let’s walk through 4 common mistakes in science communication—and how to fix them.
Mistake in Science Communication 1: Jargon-heavy language
Here’s a line from their website:
“Moreover, our therapeutics can inhibit B cells in an antigen-specific manner via agonism of FcγRIIB.”
Sounds impressive. But what does it actually mean?
What is an “antigen-specific manner”?
What does “agonism of FcÎłRIIB” imply?
If you’re speaking to immunologists, fine. But many stakeholders—like investors or business partners—won’t ask for clarification. They’ll just tune out.
How to avoid it:
Explain it like it’s for beginners. Merida’s drug binds to disease-causing B cells (Binding 1), and activates an “off switch” (Binding 2), so they stop producing harmful antibodies.
Mistake in Science Communication 2: Unlabeled visuals
In the original image, you can’t tell which part is Merida’s drug. You also don’t see where Binding 1 and Binding 2 happen.
Why it matters:
If you’re highlighting your innovation, make sure it’s actually visible.
How to avoid it:
Label what you’re talking about. Make sure your audience can connect the dots between what they’re reading and what they’re seeing.
Mistake in Science Communication 3: The drug isn’t visible enough
In the original visual, everything looks like part of the same structure. There’s no clear “hero.”
Why it matters:
Your drug is the main character. It needs to stand out.
How to avoid it:
Make the drug easy to spot. Use a contrasting color. Give it a label. Separate it visually.
Mistake in Science Communication 4: The result isn’t clearly shown
You don’t really see what happens after the drug binds. The only visual cue is a small orange “T” for “B cell inhibition.”
Why it matters:
The audience needs to know what success looks like.
How to avoid it:
Show the effect. In our redesign, we added a simple icon to show: “antibody production halted.”
Before and After: A Visual Example
We took the original image and redesigned it using these four tips.
Left: Before (original) Right: After (clearer communication)
Final Takeaway
Biotech science is complex. But your communication doesn’t have to be.
When you:
simplify your language,
label your visuals,
highlight the hero (your drug), and
show the outcome
you make it easier for everyone to understand your breakthrough.
And when people understand you, they get excited.
Want help turning your MoA into a visual story investors can follow?Let’s talk.
How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video?
How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video?
If you’re planning to explain your biotech innovation with a short animated video, you might be asking:
👉 How long does it actually take to create one?
The short answer: 10 to 15 weeks on average. The long answer? It depends on your feedback speed, team size, and how many revisions you need.
Let’s walk through the full process, with real timelines and hours.
đź“…How Long Does It Take to Create a Biotech Explainer Video:Â Timeline Overview
We use a project planning tool called Instagantt to create a clear, visual schedule for your animation—like this:
You’ll receive this timeline at the start of the project, and we adapt it along the way based on your availability and feedback. We also send early reminders before each feedback round—because bottlenecks happen, and we plan for them.
Project timeline for a biotech explainer video created in Instagantt. Each phase—from scriptwriting to animation—is mapped out clearly to keep the project on track.
🧪 Step-by-Step: How Long Each Phase Takes
Here’s how long each step takes—and why it matters.
1. Kick-Off Call (4 hours)
We meet with you and your team to understand your technology, goals, and target audience. This includes:
A 1–1.5 hour call
Internal prep and summary documentation ⏱️ Time invested: ~4 hours
2. Scriptwriting (5 hours)
Our PhD-level writer simplifies your science into a ~300-word voiceover script that’s clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate. Revisions depend on how quickly your team can respond. ⏱️ Time invested: ~5 hours
3. Storyboard (10 hours)
We create 20+ rough sketches that match the script line-by-line. These are not just illustrations—they’re the visual plan for your whole video. ⏱️ Time invested: ~10 hours
4. Voice-Over (1 hour)
You choose the voice artist, we manage the recording and editing. You receive a professional-quality audio track that syncs perfectly with the visuals. ⏱️ Time invested: ~1 hour
5. Design & Style Frames (15–20 hours)
This is where we finalize the look and feel: colors, characters, environments, transitions. You’ll review key frames before we proceed to animation. ⏱️ Time invested: ~15–20 hours
6. Animation (80–100+ hours)
This is the most time-intensive step. Every scene is animated frame-by-frame to match the script and voice. Complex MoAs or transitions can add time. ⏱️ Time invested: ~80–100 hours
7. Review Rounds (30+ hours)
We don’t limit revisions. We expect you to have internal discussions, and we build time for feedback into the plan. ⏱️ Time invested: ~30+ hours (spread across all stages)
⏱️ Total: ~160 hours of skilled work
Spread across 10–15 weeks, depending on how quickly we move through feedback rounds.
⚠️ Creating a Biotech explainer video: Where Delays Typically Happen
Even with a detailed Gantt chart, things don’t always go according to plan. And that’s okay.
We’ve learned that most delays come from clients, and it’s fully understandable:
Internal team discussions are needed before approving steps
People are traveling or away from the lab
Multiple departments need to sign off
We send gentle reminders, but we’re flexible and adapt the schedule as needed.
⚡️ Can It Go Faster?
Yes, we can compress the timeline to 4–6 weeks if needed. But that means:
Fewer revision rounds
Fast, clear decisions
Agreement that we’ll move forward even if things aren’t 100% perfect yet
The fastest projects happen when the CEO is personally involved and responds quickly.
🧠Our Rule of Thumb
✅ 10–15 weeks → average with regular feedback
🚀 6–8 weeks → fast-paced with tight approvals
🔥 4 weeks → accelerated, fewer revisions
Smaller teams = faster decisions Larger teams = more layers and review time
Want to see a sample project timeline for your animation?
We’ll send you a custom Gantt chart and walk you through what to expect.
3D Animation Studios – Do We Need Them in Science Communication?
Why Do We Need 3D Animation Studios?
Creating scientific animations, especially for fields like biotech, pharma, or medical devices, is not a one-person job.
You need:
a medical illustrator who understands the science,
a scriptwriter who can translate it for a broader audience,
a 3D modeler who can build molecules and cells from scratch,
an animator to bring them to life,
and someone to tie it all together with voiceover, music, and visual flow.
That’s why 3D animation studios exist. Freelancers are great but rarely have all the skills needed for a full science video that’s both accurate and emotionally engaging.
Studios bring the right mix of scientific understanding, creative direction, and production capability.
So yes: if you’ve decided to go 3D, a studio is the way to do it right.
But Do You Always Need 3D to Explain Science?
That’s where things get interesting.
We do both 2D and 3D animations for science. And many of our clients come in asking for 3D. Why? Because it looks impressive. Because competitors use it. Because it feels advanced.
But here’s what we often ask them:
“What’s the purpose of the video?”
If the goal is to explain a mechanism of action (MoA) – how a drug binds, enters a cell, or disrupts a molecular pathway – then yes, 3D is incredibly useful. You can show interactions in space, navigate complex geometries, and deliver that crisp, high-tech look.
That’s where a 3D animation studio truly shines.
Where 3D Might Not Be the Best Choice
But what if your goal is something different?
What if you’re trying to:
Pitch to investors
Build excitement
Show the human impact
Tell a compelling story in 90 seconds
Then we often recommend 2D instead.
Here’s why:
2D tells stories better. It can quickly move between patients, scientists, and visual metaphors.
It’s easier to watch. People are used to 2D from childhood books and explainer videos.
It’s faster and more flexible. You can update scenes or tweak the script without starting over.
And yes, you can still explain complex science clearly.
A Real Example
We recently lost a project to a competitor. The client loved 3D and asked for it from the start. But we recommended 2D because the video was for investors.
And investors don’t need photorealistic molecules. They need to understand what the company does, how it helps people, and why it’s different.
So we told the client what we truly believed: 2D would be more effective for their goal.
Even if it meant losing the project.
(Here is an example of a 2D animation that got more than 200,000 views on the client’s website.
So, Do You Need a 3D Animation Studio?
Yes – when 3D is the right tool.
For:
Mode of Action videos
Technical mechanism breakdowns
High-end product visualizations
A 3D animation studio gives you the team and quality you need.
But if your goal is to spark investor interest, explain your value, or connect emotionally with a broader audience?
Then 2D is often the smarter choice.
And we’ll tell you honestly what works best for your situation. Because at Life Science Animation, we don’t just make beautiful videos – we help you reach your goals.
Need help deciding between 2D and 3D for your science video? We do both. And we’ll give you a clear recommendation – based on what you actually need, not what looks fancy.
Why Our Science Animation Studio Is Based in Krakow, Poland
Krakow: The Perfect Home for a Science Animation Studio
Krakow offers a unique combination of creativity, science, and affordability. For a science animation producer working with biotech startups, that combination is gold.
Our work depends on two things:
Talented designers and illustrators who understand visual storytelling
Scientific minds who grasp complex biotech innovations
Krakow delivers both. The city and country are packed with highly trained animators, motion designers, and illustrators. Most are educated to Western standards, fluent in English, and experienced in working with international clients. They’re fast, creative, and easy to work with, especially since we’re all in the same time zone.
A Nationwide Network of Talent for Our Science Animation Company
Although our science animation studio is physically based in Krakow, we collaborate with illustrators, designers, and scientists from all over Poland and the world. The quality of work we see here is incredible, on par with talent from London or New York, but with faster turnaround times and more competitive pricing.
For every project, we hand-pick the right team:
Motion designers who bring ideas to life
Scientific illustrators who capture the detail
PhDs who ensure the science is clear and correct
This flexible, project-based model allows us to adapt quickly and meet tight deadlines while keeping overheads low for our clients.
Scientific Expertise Meets Visual Creativity
Poland is also home to a growing number of skilled scientists, many with advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, or medicine. These people understand the science behind gene therapies, protein platforms, or nanomedicine and can help us explain it in simple, powerful ways.
As a science animation company, that’s exactly what we need: the ability to merge scientific accuracy with visual storytelling. And thanks to our Krakow roots, we can do it efficiently without compromising quality.
A Global Science Animation Studio with Local Roots
Even though our science animation studio is based in Krakow, our reach is global. We’ve worked with biotech companies in Boston, Copenhagen, Munich, Zurich, London, and beyond. In fact, about 80% of our work is for clients in the United States.
We’ve helped explain:
Next-gen immunotherapies
Targeted drug delivery systems
AI-driven biomarker platforms
Novel vaccine technologies
If the science is complex and the audience is non-expert -like investors or partners – we’re here to help make the message clear.
Why Clients Choose a Krakow-Based Science Animation Producer
Biotech companies work with us not just because of what we create, but because of how we work:
High-quality design that matches global standards
Clear scientific communication, thanks to our PhD network
Cost-effective production without cutting corners
Fast and friendly collaboration, all in a convenient time zone
Strong English communication skills—essential for international clients
We combine the depth of a science animation team with the flexibility of a boutique agency. Our clients appreciate that we’re easy to work with, transparent, and focused on results.
Learn More About Why Biotech Companies Choose Animation
Many of our clients first come to us because they struggle to clearly explain their science. Whether it’s for an investor pitch, a conference, or a company website, they need a way to simplify their message without losing its meaning.
That’s where animation comes in.
If you’re wondering how a short science video could help your company raise funds or grow awareness, check out our biotech explainer video guide. It breaks down the process, the benefits, and what to expect from working with a science animation producer like us.
In Summary: A Science Animation Studio Built for Global Biotech
From Krakow, we’ve built a global science animation company that helps biotech firms simplify their message, connect with investors, and bring their innovations to life.
If you’re developing complex science and want people to understand it—even if they’re not scientists, let’s talk.
We’d love to help you tell your story no matter where you’re based.
Science Storytelling for Biotech Founders
Why stories—not just data—win attention, build trust, and attract investment
Biotech founders live in a world of facts, figures, and groundbreaking innovation. But when it’s time to pitch that innovation—to investors, partners, or even patients—the challenge often isn’t the science itself. It’s the story.
Science storytelling is not marketing fluff
When people hear “storytelling,” especially in the startup world, they sometimes imagine slick taglines, hype-driven decks, or fluffy metaphors that sacrifice accuracy. But science storytelling is different. It’s not about dumbing down or spinning the truth. It’s about clarifying complex ideas without losing their essence and delivering them in a way that sticks.
Because here’s the reality: people don’t remember data. They remember stories.
Whether you’re developing a novel ADC payload, engineering cells, or reinventing drug delivery. None of it matters if the person listening doesn’t understand what makes your innovation special.
Check the video below (Alfapump). Together with 2 others, it was watched more than 300,000 times on YoutTube alone – thanks to good storytelling.
Why biotech founders struggle with storytelling
Founders are often too close to the science. You’ve spent years in the lab, building a platform, mastering the biology, and sweating every control and variable. So when someone asks, “What do you do?”, the default response is often too long, too detailed, or too technical.
You’re not alone.
Here’s why simplifying science is hard:
Fear of oversimplification: You don’t want to “dumb it down” and risk being seen as inaccurate.
Too many layers: Your platform or therapeutic has multiple innovations – but which one matters most?
Jargon overload: Terms that feel basic to you can alienate people outside your field.
And yet, if your story isn’t clear, your audience won’t stick around long enough to appreciate the nuance.
Finding your “core message”
Every great biotech story has a core – a central idea that resonates beyond the science.
To find it, try this exercise: Imagine explaining your tech to a friend in a bar. Not another scientist. A smart friend who’s curious but not an expert. What would you say in one minute?
The goal is not to be exhaustive. The goal is clarity.
For example:
Instead of: “We’re developing nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery systems using lipid formulation to target immunocytes…”
Try: “We help vaccines reach the right cells more safely and effectively.”
That’s your core message—the spark that gets someone interested. You can layer in more detail once you’ve earned their attention.
Case studies: biotech storytelling in action
Let’s look at a few examples of science storytelling done well:
1. Doloromics: Precision neuropharma made simple
Dolaromics develops targeted treatments for chronic pain—highly complex mechanisms involving patient-specific biology. But in their animated video, we focused on one clear message: they identify and target the biological patterns behind pain. The result? Investors got it within two minutes—and wanted to learn more.
Check the video here: Doloromics 2D animation
2. Morphocell: Regenerating liver tissue with cell therapy
Rather than walking through every cell type, differentiation step, or manufacturing technique, we told a story: a patient facing liver failure, and a new hope using functional tissue grown in the lab. Science-backed and emotionally resonant.
Check the video here: Morphocell 2D animation
Spear’s assay technology is powerful—but their winning message wasn’t just the tech. It was the three-part story we helped them tell: simple to use, small in volume, sensitive in results. That framing helped their product shine in both sales and training.
Check the video here: Spear.bio
Animation: turning a good story into a visual hook
Once your story is clear, the next challenge is making it memorable.
That’s where visual storytelling comes in. A short animation helps people grasp the science quickly—before they lose interest or get lost in slides.
Animations allow you to:
Show what can’t be seen (e.g., inside a cell, a drug binding, tissue regenerating)
Guide the narrative, like a movie trailer for your science
Deliver a message that’s visual, emotional, and educational—all in one
And when it comes to storytelling, 2D animation is often better than 3D.
Why?
Because 2D reminds us of childhood books and comics. It feels more familiar, human, and story-driven. While 3D is great for realism and product demos, 2D is often better for narrative clarity and emotional connection.
In a world overflowing with sleek 3D renders and slide decks, a simple 2D animation can stand out by being relatable, memorable, and warm.
Why stories drive investment and action
Investors don’t fund papers, they fund potential.
And potential is best understood when wrapped in a compelling story:
A story that makes the science feel tangible
A story that makes the risk feel worthwhile
A story that shows the impact your innovation could have
That’s why science storytelling is not optional for biotech founders. It’s your bridge to investors, regulators, and partners. It’s how you earn trust, spark curiosity, and build momentum.
And a visual story – especially one told in a short, clear animation – multiplies that effect.
Final thoughts: simplify, visualize, amplify
Science storytelling for biotech founders isn’t about gimmicks or fluff. It’s about strategic clarity – knowing what to say, how to say it, and how to show it.
You don’t have to lose scientific credibility to gain attention. In fact, the most respected companies – BioNTech, Valneva, and many others – use storytelling to make their science accessible without diluting its depth.
So next time you prepare a pitch, investor meeting, or even your website copy, ask yourself:
Is this story clear?
Is it memorable?
Could a 2-minute animation say it better?
If you’re not sure, that’s where we come in.
At Life Science Animation, we help biotech innovators tell better stories – and show them with clarity, beauty, and precision.
👉 Book a call now to discover how your biotech story could be simplified, visualized, and remembered.
How to communicate science to investors: a visual approach for biotech founders
Why Knowing How to Communicate Science to Investors Is So Hard
Let’s say you’re a scientist. You live and breathe your platform. You know the delivery vector, the pathway, the biomarkers, and the in vivo data.
But here’s the problem: You can’t imagine what it’s like to not understand these things and you assume certain concepts are “basic.” Then, sou speak in your usual scientific language, without realizing how far you’ve drifted from how a non-scientist thinks.
That’s why many scientists struggle with how to communicate science to investors, especially when those investors have no background in biology or haven’t touched the science in years.
It’s not a matter of intelligence. It’s a matter of distance.
And investors don’t fill that gap. They just move on.
What Life Science Investors Want to Understand Quickly
Start with the bigger picture before diving into the details of your science.
In early-stage biotech, investors are looking for signals.
They want to understand:
What’s the unmet need?
What’s your approach—and why is it different?
Why should this work?
Is there a strong scientific rationale?
Is there early data to support it?
Who’s behind the company?
Why now?
They need a big-picture overview. A reason to believe.
They don’t need every preclinical figure. Not yet.
Why Slides Often Fail
Most biotech pitch decks suffer from the same problems:
Too many slides
Too much text
Charts with no explanation
Overuse of jargon
Terrible design
Confusing structure
And the result?
Investors put it aside. They move to the next deck. Or they send it to someone on their team but don’t follow up.
Investors Don’t Have Time to Read
Here’s the reality:
VCs and angels see hundreds of decks every month.
Many skim the first 1–2 slides and decide whether to keep reading.
If your core story isn’t clear in the first minute, they move on.
Even your “highlight slide” often doesn’t land. Why?
Because they didn’t understand the context in the first place.
How to communicate science to investors: Use a Short Video
A short science animation or biotech explainer video solves this in a very simple way. It:
tells your story clearly
shows how your science works
explains why your approach is new or better
sets the stage for genuine interest
gets non-scientists up to speed – fast
And once investors “see it,” they often ask their science partners to dive deeper. They ask the right questions and give you their time.
They feel safe moving forward.
A Visual Pitch Sparks Interest
Here’s what happens when you open a conversation with a short animation:
Investors understand the big picture. They get what you do, who you help, and how it works—without digging through 30 slides.
You save time in meetings. Play the video. Then, go deeper. No need to start from zero.
You look clear, ready, and professional. A clean video shows you’ve done the work. It builds trust.
You create memory. Investors remember the visuals—and the feeling the video gave them.
Tips on How to Communicate Science to Investors in Early Conversations
Here’s how to improve your early conversations—whether or not you have a video yet:
1. Stop using too much jargon
Words like “autologous,” “orthotopic,” or “pharmacodynamics” are acceptable in context, but don’t lead with them.
2. Explain your tech like you would to a smart friend
Don’t say it in your deck if you wouldn’t say it in a bar.
3. Think like an investor
They want to know: What’s the opportunity? What’s the risk? What’s the upside?
4. Focus on the problem, then your solution
Start with the disease or unmet need. Then, your platform or product.
5. Use visuals early
Even if it’s just a simple graphic or flow. Better yet: a short biotech video.
Actual Examples of Science Animation Helping with Funding
We’ve seen this play out again and again:
A biotech startup struggling to explain a precision pain therapy used a 2-minute video to show the mechanism—and investors got excited.
A team working on neuroscience drug delivery used a video on their website that led to unexpected inbound interest.
An immunotherapy company embedded their video into their pitch emails and finally got replies.
A short animated video isn’t just a pitch tool. It’s your first impression. Your translator. Your hook.
Use It Everywhere (Not Just in the Deck)
A good video isn’t limited to fundraising.
You can use it:
On your homepage
On your About or Science page
In emails to potential partners
In conference booths or investor days
On LinkedIn, YouTube, and your newsletter
When journalists or patients want to understand your work
It works quietly in the background. 24/7.
You Don’t Need to Say It All
One of the biggest mistakes we see: Founders try to cram everything into the video.
