Innovative approach to treat autism spectrum disorders
University of Basel spin-off Translation-X receives Venture Kick funding
In 2022, Dr. Özgür Genç together with Professor Peter Scheiffele from the Biozentrum, University of Basel, founded the startup Translation-X with the goal of developing novel therapeutics for autism spectrum disorders. They have now received 150’000 Swiss Francs investment from the Venture Kick initiative.
The team of Translation-X: Peter Scheiffele, Özgür Genç, and Guido Koch (from left to right).
Biozentrum, University of Basel
The University of Basel startup Translation-X is pioneering a precision medicine approach to address the core symptoms of autism-spectrum disorders such as social interaction difficulties. The company recently reached an important milestone by completing the three stages of the Venture Kick program, a Swiss initiative designed to support and promote innovative startups in their early stages.
“With the support of Venture Kick, we're advancing in our drug development journey”, emphasizes project leader Dr. Özgür Genç from the Biozentrum, University of Basel. “This progress is vital to the growth of our project and brings us one step closer to tackling the challenges of autism therapy.”
Innovative approach to treat autism spectrum disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior. The symptoms typically appear in early childhood, however, the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
With an estimated two percent of children worldwide affected by autism and no effective treatment available, Translation-X is committed to developing a novel therapeutic approach that is beneficial for individuals with a severe form of autism.
The startup’s team focuses on developing small molecules that selectively targets and corrects dysregulated protein synthesis, a critical factor in impaired neural signaling associated with certain forms of autism. Their innovative precision medicine approach has demonstrated potential in restoring neural function and mitigating the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
The Biozentrum spin-off, initially supported by the NCCR RNA & Disease, emerged from the EU-funded AIMS-2-TRIALS project and was later recognized as an Innosuisse project.
Venture Kick initiative
Venture Kick was launched in 2007 with the vision to double the number of spin-offs from Swiss universities, to accelerate their speed-to-market and to raise the attractiveness of these young companies among professional investors and industry partners. Since its launch, Venture Kick has supported more than 1000 Swiss startup projects with about 50 million Swiss Francs start capital, thus contributing significantly to the Swiss innovation ecosystem.
In 2024, Venture Kick will support idea-stage startup projects with 6.6 million Swiss Francs to bring Swiss science to global markets. Entrepreneurs are also offered professional guidance in developing their business and connection to a large network.
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