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Commission to train bio-entrepreneurs

The European Commission has announced its support for training to help scientists launch biotechnology companies in 2000. This follows a growing realisation that growth and job creation in new sectors - like biotechnology - are essentially driven by the establishment and deve...

The European Commission has announced its support for training to help scientists launch biotechnology companies in 2000. This follows a growing realisation that growth and job creation in new sectors - like biotechnology - are essentially driven by the establishment and development of new companies. However, researchers are often faced with difficulties in this area, being poorly acquainted with management and finance. Hiring consultants is expensive and researchers can rarely afford the time or money needed to complete a training course. In an effort to find a solution to this dilemma, the Commission has set up the 'Biobiz' initiative to help entrepreneurs write business plans for their start-ups. Biobiz provides an intensive three-day workshop giving participants a hands-on approach with a dedicated software package. The course provides the basic tools and know-how that scientists need to put together a business plan for a new company, forcing them to consider all aspects of a venture, says the Commission. 'The aim of this initiative is to provide scientists with the skills and knowledge needed to be able to put coherent business plans together which will enable them to attract real interest from venture capitalists', says programme Director Michel Lepers of EuroBiobiz. Biobiz has obtained a 100,000 euro grant from the European Commission and is also supported by Arthur Andersen and EuroBiobiz, a firm which promotes and facilitates the development of small and medium sized biotech companies. By training researchers in this domain, the European Commission ultimately hopes to promote job creation and growth in Europe: 'The main challenge is to link the ability to discover with the capacity to produce - a central tenet of the Cell Factory Key Action of the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources programme' says the Commission. Some 71 potential entrepreneurs from around Europe have already benefited from the course in 1998 and 1999 and some have already set up companies, including 'Newron' (Italy) and 'Biotechnology Inflection Point' - 'BIP' - (France). Applicants to the course should be biotechnology researchers from Member or Associated States of the European Union, who have a clear idea for a start-up project. They should also have at least a basic understanding of what is involved in starting up and running a business, advises the Commission. Biobiz is planning the workshops for 2000 at the following locations (an additional workshop is also due to be announced): - Paris, France, 22 to 24 February; - Cambridge, UK, 21 to 23 March; - Frankfurt, Germany, 4 to 6 April; - Milan, Italy, 26 to 28 April 2000; - Strasbourg, France, 3 to 5 May 2000; - Madrid, Spain, 16 to 18 May; - Stockholm, Sweden, 6 to 8 June; - Dublin, Ireland, 20 to 22 June; - London, UK, 4 to 6 July; - Berlin, Germany, 18 to 20 July; - Tel Aviv, Israel, 5 to 7 September; - Eindhoven., The Netherlands, 19 to 21 September; - Lyon, France, 3 to 5 October; - Lisbon, Portugal, 17 to 19 October. The Quality of Life Programme (part of the Commission's Fifth RTD Framework programme), together with Arthur Andersen and EuroBiobiz are offering a 1400 euro subsidy to help with the course fees, normally 2200 euro.