Biocitech gives support to three start-ups in Bond’Innov initiative

01-Oct-2012 - France

Biocitech announced that it is giving its support to three new biotechnology start-ups based in the town of Bondy, near Paris. The announcement came after the official opening of Bond’Innov, an incubator backed by various public bodies and by Biocitech.

Biocitech was one of the founding partners in the setting up of Bondy Innovation, a nonprofit organization, in June 2011 and the related incubator for innovative projects, Bond’Innov. The incubator is believed to be the only one in France established in an urban renewal zone. The aim is to give the opportunity to early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly in biotechnology, to set up in north east Paris area and to be able to access the know-how and facilities they need.

Bond’Innov has issued two calls for candidates since it was set up and has selected five projects, including three in biotechnology, an illustration of the area’s life science potential. The three are:

Regulaxis, a producer of synthetic molecules that inhibit or accelerate growth hormones for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Biochoros, which is developing a process that can modify the properties of the regulating peptides implicated in cellular signals
Selkis, a developer of anti-mosquito products for cutaneous application using a new active molecule derived from natural sources

Bond’Innov’s approach is to offer entrepreneurs a reimbursable loan that translates into two years’ complete incubation. This involves the provision of a suitable work environment including offices, access to the laboratories at the IRD research institute and Biocitech as well as multimedia equipment, plus advice and guidance on building up a business and managing it.

Biocitech provides an opportunity to benefit from the accumulated experience of 27 CEOs who have chosen to set up in the life sciences park and who manage 400 employees. They are all available to give advice, exchange ideas and share their experience with the new entrepreneurs so as to avoid mistakes and overcome difficulties. By rubbing shoulders with the realities of industry, the enterprises incubated at Bond’Innov will increase their chances of developing faster and with more hope of success.

Biocitech will also provide accommodation that meets the requirements of the start-up’s business as well as relevant services, particularly in the field of quality, hygiene, safety and the environment. Its specialized property is just like an industry R&D center and can play a critical role in the successful development of these start-ups.

“Our shared objective is to make our ecosystem ever stronger and more attractive and to encourage the development of innovative companies that will create value and highly qualified jobs in our area,” said Jean-François Boussard, president of Biocitech. “Bond’Innov is a perfect illustration of the rich and close links that exist between the many players in life sciences who are working together to build up this service for entrepreneurs.”

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/139960/biocitech-gives-support-to-three-start-ups-in-bondinnov-initiative.html