Academia - Industry Initiatives

In its third year of supporting research excellence in Switzerland and South Africa, SSAJRP adds industry-focused activities to its scope. Initiatives in this science-to-market phase contribute to strengthening links and cooperation between academia and the biotechnology industries of South Africa and Switzerland.

In addition to further foster industry-oriented projects, a seed money call has been launched in March 2011 focusing on the ground-breaking disciplines Public Health and Biomedicine, as well as Bio- and Nanotechnologies. A total of CHF 600’000 has been made available to support joint research projects between Switzerland and South Africa for 2011. 

In response to the Seed Money Call for proposals, the University of Basel and NRF, received 12 eligible joint research project proposals. The proposals were subsequently reviewed in both Switzerland and South Africa by international review panels and recommendations of the reviewers considered by the Leading Houses and the respective ministries (SER and DST).

Given the budget that was made available by both sides, 9 projects were selected for financial funding. The key consideration that resulted in the selection of these projects was scientific excellence. A second main consideration included the industry orientation of the projects and its potential for innovation and generation of market-oriented outputs. Also, already existing cooperation links with the industry partner were taken into consideration.

SSAJRP Biotech Business Development Programme

A 5-day bioentrepreneur training programme in Switzerland for young, ambitious South African and Swiss biotech entrepreneurs. Sponsored by the Swiss South African Joint Research Program (SSAJRP) the SSAJRP Biotech Business Development Programme includes visits to start-up biotech and pharma companies and workshop sessions on topics such as intellectual property, drug development and start-up financing.

 

“Excellent exposure to top level professionals in Biotech startups, which transferred a high sense of urgency, excitement and commercial potential for new companies.” Participant 2011

 

More infomation about the programme can been found here.

Swiss – South African Biotech Venture Workshop

Through the framework of the SSAJRP cooperation, Switzerland offers bright, young South African academicians the possibility to assess their own strengths and strategies in a science-to-market oriented higher education and research world. The 2-day workshop, delivered by IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen (Institute for Entrepreneurship), contains a full set of tools and know-how for the entrepreneur, from assessing technology and market opportunities, pitching a business through to financing a venture.

The third Biotech Venture Workshop will take place in Capetown in December 2012. More infomation about the programme can been found here.