Objective Saturated N-heterocycles are an important class of compounds and are attractive as scaffolds in the development of new pharmaceuticals. As part of ERC supported research, we identified a new class of chemical reagents – “SnAP Reagents” – that alleviate previous synthetic challenges. These SnAP reagents enable the synthesis of more drug-like saturated N-heterocycles, including some of the most sought after, but most difficult to prepare scaffolds. They have been successfully commercialized and are in high demand. This high consumer demand, which is indicative of the interest in these products, is despite the disadvantages of this methodology: use of toxic materials, long reaction times, and relatively complicated reaction setups and workups. Furthermore, the sales of the reagents – while successful – have low margins and there are few opportunities for IP protection. We have therefore begun development of an innovative, cartridge-based, fully automated, stand-alone machine for conducting SnAP chemistry in a safe, rapid, and convenient manner. This approach provides a clear roadmap for a sustainable, successful Startup Entity by the development and sale of proprietary machines and disposable cartridges. The ERC PoC funding will be used to assemble sufficient prototype machines and develop disposable cartridges for initial sales and marketing efforts. The successful assembly of a working prototype will provide the basis for the sale of first generation machines and a revenue stream for establishing a sustainable business. We have already identified interested parties who will purchase the first-generation instruments and provide valuable feedback for improving and optimizing their operation. In the longer-term, it is expected that sales of the disposable reagent cartridges and development of new machines that follow the same principles will emerge as the main activities of the start up company. We will also translate the technology and IP to other chemistries. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug discoverymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugssocial scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-PoC-2015 - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2015-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Net EU contribution € 149 040,00 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 040,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Switzerland Net EU contribution € 149 040,00 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 040,00