HKSTP, global pharmaceutical firm launch programme to speed up R&D in immunology

Qualified startups can apply to access extensive biotech funding.

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) partnered with global biopharmaceutical firm, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund Limited (BIVF) to put up a co-incubation programme for the research and development of infectious diseases and immunology.

In a joint statement, HKSTP said this programme will allow both firms to work with sector leaders in building information and technology ecosystems, which will help startups through business development, mentorship, and investment initiatives.

Local and global qualified startups in infectious diseases and immunology can apply to have access to the HKSTP ecosystem and BIVF’s biotech funding network.

“Incubatees can access one-on-one coaching and assessment to track key research milestones, while receiving expert guidance from HKSTP on commercialisation, manufacturing, scaling-up, and marketing strategy to ensure successful innovation, plus vital funding opportunities and investment insight from BIVF,” read the statement.

Programme incubatees will also gain from HKSTP’s biotech research and development facilities such as the HKSTP Institute for Translational Research (ITR), which allows biomedical startups to shift their innovative biomedical technologies to “life-changing impact on patients and society.”

“Also available to startups is HKSTP’s Incu-Bio program providing dedicated biotech mentorship, business matching, entrepreneur-in-residence, and access to R&D facilities and the Science Parks’ diverse talent pool,” it added.