One of the most challenging questions faced by academic life scientists at some point in their career is whether to pursue research or to look for suitable positions within industry. While the shift from academia to industry might result from a carefully thought-through process, finding the right footing can nevertheless be tricky. It was this dilemma that inspired a group of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists affiliated with the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich to form the Life Science Zurich Young Scientist Network (LSZYSN). This network aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry; the group organises a wide range of activities to build sustainable relationships with companies oper - ating in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.