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Learn about the benefits and challenges of NAsperesearch for SMEs in nanomechanical biosensors. Explore the customer-seller dynamic, IP rules, and financial aspects in this informative guide by Dr. Urs Hubler from Concentris GmbH.
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NASPEResearch for SMEs • First experiences with this instrument. • Dr. Urs Hubler, Concentris GmbH • www.concentris.com • hubler@concentris.ch
Contents • A few words about Concentris, the project structure and organization. • Particular aspects of Research for SMEs and a few thoughts about those.
Concentris • University Spin-Off, created in 2000. • Small company, currently 5 people. • Main product: Nanomechanical cantilever sensor platforms, i.e. a new sensor technology with applications in different fields, customers in Europe, USA/Canada, Asia. • Interest in FP7 Research for SMEs: Partners for developing new applications.
NASPE • NAnomechanical Screening of Pharmaceutical Entities. • Idea: Development of new technologies and applications in the context of nanomechanical biosensors.
NASPE 4 SMEs (CH, IT, DE) 3 RTD Performers (DE, IT) 1 Other Partner (DE)
NASPE Coordinator: University Steering Committee Chairman: SME
The Customer-Seller-Relationship • SMEs have a strong role, as they outsource R&D to Universities. • SMEs also have the task to control and drive the work. • IP rules are given. • Much stronger interaction between partners than in other projects.
The Customer-Seller-Relationship • Not all Universities really see themselves as sellers or service providers. • Statistically, 70-80% of all collaborations go wrong, i.e. the risk is relatively high. • The stronger interaction bears additional risks, especially for SMEs.
IP Rules • IP rules are clear: SMEs pay for R&D and obtain ownership of IP rights in return. • The standards are not the same in all countries. It is difficult with some partners to get them to follow the rules.
Administration and Finances • Compared to other projects, probably less administrative work for Universities and more for SMEs. • Since Switzerland is not a member of the EC, VAT issues may get tricky. • SMEs get large advance payments, but have to keep track of liquidity towards the end of the project (invoice from University but missing final payment from EC).
In Summary • ...research for SMEs is a very good instrument, if all partners are committed. • ...the spirit is very different from e.g. collaborative projects, and all partners should really appreciate that from the beginning of the application process.