Sep 8 2009
Stimulating the economy - The Swiss National Science Foundation has approved 28 additional technology transfer projects for National Centres of Competence in Research in the hopes of stimulating the economy both in the short and medium-term. The projects are being funded by the Swiss federal government as part of its measures to stabilize the economy. With this, a total of 25 million CHF will be invested into developing new technologies.
The Swiss parliament has allocated the Swiss National Science Foundation 10 million CHF for the transfer of expertise and technology under the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) as part of its package to stabilise the economy. In addition to carrying out top-level research, the NCCR mission is to pave the way for findings from basic research to become potential applications in industry. Numerous NCCRs have already achieved substantial success in transferring expertise and technology.
High-potential projects
The recently approved federal funding is intended for an additional 28 NCCR technology transfer projects showing particular promise for short to medium-term practical applications. Most of the projects are concerned with further developing equipment, systems or methods on the threshold between basic research and practical application. Many good ideas risk being shelved because they no longer present a challenge to researchers but are still far from being used commercially. This is exactly where the NCCR technology transfer projects step in, such as for the following:
- Developing a surgical planning and navigation system for operations on the head.
- Enhancing low power, cordless sensors with which environmental conditions can be measured even in inaccessible places such as high mountains.
- Creating a method to mark cancer stem cells for research, diagnosis and therapy purposes.
Research with partners
All projects are linked to one or more partners from industry in order to make project findings accessible to potential commercial users as quickly as possible. The partner companies – in some cases, young start-ups and in others, well-established companies – are involved in medical technology, mechanical engineering, optics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, IT, communications technology and the pharmaceuticals industry. Business partners invest an amount in the projects comparable to that of the Swiss federal government. The involved universities contribute a further 5 million CHF in personnel costs to projects. The result is a total of 25 million CHF being invested in the development of new technologies.
The newly approved technology transfer projects will begin October 1, 2009. Initial interim results can be expected after one year, with final results after two years.
Posted on September 8th, 2009