Imagine’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Department
Translating researchers’ scientific discoveries into biomedical innovations fitting patients’ needs is an essential mission of Imagine.
Today, the institute contributes to the development of more than 90 solutions stemming from the research activities of its labs, a quarter of them involving industrial partners. 290 other solutions, arising from external labs, are being tested in clinics within the clinical units and reference centers of Imagine Institute, often in response to the needs of industrial partners. Overall, Imagine’s translational research capabilities, which are unique worldwide in the field of genetic diseases, currently allow us to manage a set of 380 solutions, at development stages ranging from preclinical to phase 3 clinical trials.
The Innovation and Technology Transfer Department
The Innovation and Technology Transfer Department’s role is to support researchers and physicians in the realization of their biomedical innovation projects, in the implementation of R&D partnerships with industry, or in the creation of startup companies aimed at further developments. Closely interfaced with all stakeholders and private partners – companies, entrepreneurs and investors -, the Department facilitates all the necessary steps towards a successful transfer, in particular at the business, legal and regulatory levels. In addition, the Department allows Imagine to perfectly integrate into the Parisian and French ecosystems, easing the development of biomedical innovations.
The Department, headed by Romain Marlange, is composed of 20 professionals in business development, grant search and management, clinical research and entrepreneurship. The teams bring their expertise in:
- identifying valuable assets of interest to industry,
- identifying and approaching potential partners,
- defining the most appropriate business models,
- advising and supporting for intellectual property matters,
- negotiating and executing R&D partnerships,
- advising and supporting for clinical studies from set up to follow-up,
- identifying funding opportunities,
- helping for grant applications and management,
- familiarizing researchers with innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
Easing the translation of discoveries into biomedical innovations
Imagine was labeled a Carnot Institute in 2020 by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and as such benefits from financial support in the deployment of its innovation and partnering strategies.
Its Innovation and Development Department, located in the heart of the laboratories and clinical units, is the privileged interlocutor of researchers, physicians and engineers of the institute on one hand, and of private partners on the other hand, including companies, entrepreneurs and investors wishing to get involved with Imagine in biomedical innovations for the benefit of patients.