Strategy for increasing value of scientific projects

IGNACIO RINTOUL

Santa Fe

Simposio; XI Simposio Argentino de Polímeros - SAP 2015; 2015

Grupo de Polímeros y Reactores de Polimerización del INTEC UNL-CONICET

<!-- @page { margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; direction: ltr; color: #000000; widows: 0; orphans: 0 } P.western { font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; so-language: en-GB } P.cjk { font-family: "WenQuanYi Micro Hei"; font-size: 12pt; so-language: zh-CN } P.ctl { font-family: "Lohit Hindi"; font-size: 12pt; so-language: hi-IN } --> The production of animal products is a key issue for mankind in the XXI century. The reproduction process is an important shackle of the animal production chain. The way to reproduce animals deals with a number of topics related to technical, biological, economical, social, environmental, regulatory, ethical and health aspects. This contribution presents the process of development of microparticles for controlled hormone release for oestrous synchronization in cattle. The strategy for parallel development of the technology, financial rising-up, intellectual property, social communications, market research, negotiation with private companies and the business vision of the project is addressed. The project was born as an applied science project in CONICET. All started by defining an hypothetical and flexible product conceptually designed to be easily produced, easily approved by regulatory agencies and with great potential market. Materials and processes were selected and developed according to these requirements. The careful selection of angel partners was of critical importance for keeping the business spirit of the project. Then, the incubation of a spin-off company at the Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro captured the interest of great national and international veterinary companies and permitted to raise funds from non-conventional agencies. The use of massive communication tools helped to promote competition and strength the negotiating conditions between the interested companies. The step-by-step patenting process helped to protect the technology at the minimum cost. Finally, the technology was licence to a Argentinian company. It also includes a count of bad decisions that conspired against the project.