The University City Science Center is pleased to announce the launch of the third cycle of the QED Proof-of-Concept Program. The QED Program is available to academic researchers developing technology with high commercial potential in the life sciences. This program provides key resources to facilitate the commercial development of these technologies, including business guidance, bridge funding, and access to industry and investor representatives. Selected investigators receive guidance from members of the region’s entrepreneurial community, working with them to develop compelling project proposals that answer critical market questions. All selected investigators receive valuable feedback from potential investors and industry licensees, expanding their potential for funding from other public or private sources. Up to three of the most promising proposals are chosen to receive continued guidance and project funding (up to $200,000 over 12 months). Technologies may include therapeutic or preventative agents, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, imaging agents, biomaterials, and research tools.

The QED Program targets the innovative scientist with a strong interest in moving his or her life science technology to the marketplace. Participation in the QED Program begins with the submission of a White Paper Application, a brief document that outlines key elements of the technology and its commercial potential. Up to ten projects will be selected per program cycle, and the Principal Investigators will be matched with business advisors with appropriate domain expertise. They will work together over the ensuing three months along with their respective Technology Transfer Offices to develop Proof-of-Concept Plans. The Proof-of-Concept Plan will outline specific research aims and a commercialization strategy, and serves as a valuable tool for seeking sources of follow-on funding, such as through start-up company formation or licensing to an existing company. Project teams will receive feedback on their Proof-of-Concept Plans from investors and industry representatives during a live presentation. The QED Program will directly support up to three projects.

Each participating institution has agreed to provisions for matching funds and limiting indirect costs, and to revenue sharing in the event of a successful license from a funded project. These provisions apply only to projects that receive direct funding from the Science Center as part of this program. For more information, please contact your Technology Transfer Office.

Details about the program are provided in the Handbook for QED Program Participants, whichmay be obtained from the QED website (www.sciencecenter.org/qed-rfp) along with White Paper Application forms. If you are interested in taking part in the QED Program, you should contact your Technology Transfer Office since they are responsible for submitting all White Papers. Your Technology Transfer Office contact can be found in the Handbook or on the QED website or by moving your mouse pointer here.

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Delaware State University
• Drexel University
• Fox Chase Cancer Center
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
• Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
• Lehigh University
• Monell Chemical Senses Center
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Rutgers University
• Temple University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Delaware
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Widener University
• The Wistar Institute

Adam Greenspan
QED Program Manager
Email:  agreenspan@sciencecenter.org