EU Framework Programme A Good Idea? Mike Jackson iXscient limited

Introduction What are the benefits to taking part Some examples Some pitfalls What makes successful consortium

Background to iXscient Established in 2003 by Nick Walker, Dave Wenn & Mike Jackson Over 25 years of experience in performing and commercialising R&D Managed major R&D programmes and departments Developed and licensed our own innovations Participated in the development and licensing of outside technology Initiated start-ups Major role in technology company flotation

What we do Source funding and write proposals Set up collaborative research projects Project Management of R&D programmes Other points to note: Based on the Brunel Campus Science Park Currently managing 8 large collaborative projects Total project value > €60M

Some Case Studies

Micro2Gen A small Greek instrumentation company Project to develop a Point of Care test for Coeliac Disease Provision of instrument Development of control systems Development of instrumentation and user interface software

Micro2Gen developments Instrumentation Additional spin out technologies Small multichannel potentiostat (€3k) that performs better that a €30k machine Machine vision control of microfluidic systems Drag and drop software for instrument development

Micro2Gen Why did they take part? To enable their strategic vision To build a core body of personnel To build a core technology base Generation of Intellectual Property Capital funding not available or very difficult

MicroFluidic ChipShop (MFCS) A German company supplying microfluidic components and systems Development of microfluidic lab on a chip solutions DNA and Antibody assays on one standard plaftform

MFCS Developments Common footprint lab on chip module for multiple assays Additional spin out technologies Novel PCR reactor Novel on chip blood serum generator On chip valving for fluid control Novel on chip reagent storage

MFCS Why did they take part Why did they take part To add to their product catalogue Develop new market opportunities Leverage technology developments with Grant funding To maintain a portfolio of research projects

Why Take Part Many reasons Develop strategic goals Develop or keep core competences and personnel Develop new technology Leverage development costs Difficulty attracting investment Each participant has their own set of reasons

Difficulties Proposal to funding ~ 12 months Competition very intense Bureaucracy Financial rules and reporting Finding the right consortium

Benefits Enables companies to address their strategic, technology and core competence requirements Networking – meet many other institutions Leverage your developments Grant funded - Cash upfront

What Makes Participation Successful Good consortium and leadership Understanding why you are involved Willingness to collaborate Achieving project goals, your goals and collaborators goals Not just a jobbing contract Good networking and communication

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