Planned NMI spin-off: immuneAdvice successful in start-up competition
Does our therapeutic approach work against cancer? The answer to this question can make the difference between life and death - and is still difficult to answer. A team from the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen and the Werner Siemens Imaging Center Tübingen has developed a technique for observing immune cells. With their planned start-up immuneAdvice, the team has yesterday, march 13, been successfully recognized for their "outstanding business idea" in the Science4Life Venture Cup start-up competition. "We are delighted, this is a great recognition of our work so far," says Teresa Wagner, project manager of immuneAdvice at the NMI.
Does the therapy work - or should we switch directly?
Immunotherapies could be a great opportunity in the fight against cancer. So far, however, it is very uncertain from person to person whether the chosen therapy will work. If a therapeutic approach is unsuccessful, patients lose valuable time and the healthcare system incurs considerable costs. "The therapy-accompanying diagnostics that we are currently developing should help us to observe whether the immunotherapy used is effective," explains Teresa Wagner. "We are confident that in future we will be able to monitor the success of the therapy much better and faster than before. Our diagnostics will therefore help to find the right therapy for the right patient."
Valuable feedback from industry experts
Teresa Wagner and her colleagues have now presented their concept in the second phase of the Science4Life Venture Cup start-up competition. "We received valuable feedback on our business model from industry experts, and the individual coaching and tips on what to look out for when founding and financing the company were also very helpful," explains the NMI scientist.
Start-up competition in the life sciences and chemicals sectors
The nationwide start-up initiative Science4Life Venture Cup focuses on the life sciences and chemicals sectors. The idea, concept and business plan are evaluated by experts in three competition phases. In the current concept phase, ten applications were allowed to take part in the two-day Academy Days with coaching and feedback. The final award ceremony at the end of the business plan phase will follow on July 1, 2024.
