| Deadline: | Volumen: |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2011 | 2 Millions Euro |
Some 600 companies in the life sciences sector exist in Vienna, of which about 250 operate in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. In addition, a broad range of service providers e.g. in medical engineering are based in Vienna. The life sciences sector in Vienna is very dynamic. Approximately 100 new companies in the life sciences industry have been established between the years 2000 and 2010 alone.
Many of these former start-ups are now in a growth phase and are engaged in clinical trials to test to test their research conclusions, also thanks to venture capital which they have been able to raise to an impressive extent. At the same time the dynamic emergence of life science start-ups continues unabatedly.
These developments comprise an additional challenge for Vienna’s technology policy. On the one hand, it is necessary to provide support to start-ups. On the other hand, the city must also take into account the increasing maturity shown by the local companies. This is even more important considering the enormous cost burden on firms required to carry out clinical tests as the basis for gaining regulatory approval for new drugs or medical devices.
Project applications can be submitted online from March 1, 2011 to June 16, 2011.
In the light of the enormous range of topics which have attracted the interest of high-tech start-ups and already established firms in the life sciences sector in the past few years, this call for projects focuses on all Viennese companies doing research and development work in this field without any specified restrictions. For this reason, the following areas are eligible for funding within the context of the Call Life Sciences 2011:
- Biotechnology
- Biopharmaceutical development and production
- Diagnostics and personalized medicine (e.g. biomarkers)
- Medical engineering (Health IT, general medical supplies, ambient assisting living)
This tender also includes projects in preclinical research and Phase I and II clinical studies. These R&D projects must fulfill the requirements of the responsible authorities (FDA, EMEA, TÜV etc.) and involve the preliminary work needed for authorization procedures.
ZIT is looking for projects which offer a technological advance compared to products, services and processes which are already available on the marketplace. This means that the project must be able to demonstrate its innovative technological content, meaning that the results of the project would go above and beyond the current state of technology.
A total of EUR 2,000,000 in funding is available for this Call. Cash grants of up to EUR 750,000 are possible for the best projects. Naturally smaller projects are also eligible for funding.
Bonus prize money will also be given for the top ranked projects, i.e. EUR 15,000 for the top placed application, EUR 10,000 for the project which is ranked second and EUR 5,000 for the third place entry. Projects demonstrably shown to be scientifically managed by a qualified woman can also receive a bonus of EUR 10,000.
Funding is granted within the framework of a competitive tender process. The projects will be evaluated by an international jury of experts at the beginning of September 2011. The best projects will be nominated for funding.
