The technology transfer aims at identifying, developing and marketing innovative ideas. In addition to the funding programme GO-Bio, the BMBF supports the testing of further innovative instruments. Spinnovator tests how technology transfer can be optimised in the form of spin-offs.

Investors get on board at an early stage

Projects in an early development phase are funded via the Spinnovator by Ascenion GmbH. What is special about it is that investors are onboard from the beginning and projects start immediately as spin-offs. Technology transfer offices and venture capitalists identify promising biotech approaches with commercial potential from academic institutions in a very early development stage before project launch. The ideas are then further developed into marketable products within a spin-off.

Boost marketing opportunities

By integrating the venture capitalists during the pre-start-up stage marketing opportunities are enhanced. The necessary research and development work in the spin-offs is subject to ongoing supervision. The  expertise of theinvestors involved and Ascenion secure the projects’ success. Ascenion, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the LifeScience-Stiftung, is specialised in technology transfers of academic institutions and represents inventors from the Helmholtz and Leibnitz Associations in particular.

BMBF funding

From 2011 to 2014, the BMBF funded Ascenion GmbH’s Spinnovator for testing. Two spin-offs have been successfully established as part of the testing phase.

amcure GmbH is a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), which set itself the goal of developing a new agent for the inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis. OMEICOS Therapeutics GmbH is a spin-off of the Max Delbrück Center (MDC), which is committed to research and develop innovative medication with a new agent to treat atrial fibrillation.

Both projects are in clinical development. In addition to the venture capitalists, the BMBF partially funds the implementation of the corresponding research and development work.

Overview of the BMBF's Spinnovator Funding (Duration: 2011 to 2019)

BMBF funding for testing the instrument (2011 to 2014):

• Development and testing of the technology transfer measure at Ascenion

BMBF funding of the resulting spin-offs (2013 to 2019):

• OMEICOS Therapeutics – Drug treatment of atrial fibrillation with new active ingredient principle
• Amcure – Drug development for inhibiting metastasis and angiogenesis