Technology Transfer

Efficient research will not only produce scientific breakthroughs, but also practical results which may be further developed into marketable products by industrial partners or newly formed start-ups.

Contact

Nick Bühler, Senior Consultant Industrial Relations, NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering

The goal of the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering is to open new perspectives in the synthesis of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical compounds, in energy conversion, and in the development of medical diagnostics and therapeutics. A series of measures will be undertaken to support the translation of research results and innovations into intellectual property and industrial development projects that lead into applications.

Knowledge and scientific results will be presented on a regular basis to the scientific community, industry and other parties of interest. Public events with an open dialogue between policy makers and the general public will generate awareness in regard to the importance of molecular systems engineering and its implications for the future and provoke industry interest in the respective scientific activities.

The industry relations concept favours a direct approach through events such as an annual Technology Apéro. It is most important that potential future partners are involved as early as possible. The Technology Collaboration Program allows various collaboration possibilities between the researchers from the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering and interested industry partners.

Some industry partners are already on board

Under the lead of IBM Research in Rüschlikon, one project group is working on the topic of “Nanoscopically Controlled Templates for the Assembly of Molecular Modules and the Control of Reaction Pathways”. IBM Research Director Matthias Kaiserswerth testified his interest into this project as follows: “It relates to the understanding of basic structuring mechanisms that could lead to radically new manufacturing methods for future chip technologies and provide unforeseen applications in biological sciences and nanomedicine.” Another successful partnership has been established with Novartis, investigating the invention of light sensitive, molecular systems in a project lead by Botond Roska that focuses on restoring vision.

More cooperation can be expected as soon as feasible applications emerge. Testimonial that regional industry representatives made in favour of the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering show that the pharmaceutical industry is going to monitor the developments closely.

Entrepreneurial spirit

The NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering will not only foster technology transfer to industry, but also wants to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit of project staff hopefully leading to the generation of new spin-offs and start-up companies. Anticipated measures include the support of training courses for the establishment of spin-offs.

Links

Technology Transfer Offices: 

Commission for Technology and Innovation CTI

NEWS

Special CTI measures for SMEs

CTI waives the requirement for a cash contribution for R&D funding applications for heavily export-oriented SMEs with effect from this August. > more

SNFS

SNSF aims to supplement its existing KTT measures with activities at the interface of research and innovation in collaboration with the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI). See multi-year program 2017-2020