SARIMA partnered with SANBio through its BioFISA II programme in 2017/2018 to develop and deliver four tailored-made virtual courses focused on the “Commercialisation of Bioscience innovations”. This was aimed at entrepreneurs involved in the Biosciences space in the SADC region. The virtual courses were developed by a range of experts in the relevant topics, and included both an offline and online component. This enabled course participants to view the course material in their own time, as well as learn from each other through engaging (in real time) with the presenters and other participants on the course content.
The courses developed include:
- IP Protection, Commercialisation Modalities and Deal Negotiation: focused on (i) the basics of IP and patenting process, (ii) modalities of commercialisation, (iii) structure of typical license and assignment agreements, and (iv) negotiation fundamentals and tactics
- Defining the Business Opportunity: focused on (i) defining a value proposition, (ii) market research, (iii) financial viability modelling, and (iv) valuation and building an investment case
- Developmental and Regulatory Pathway to Commercialise Biotechnology: focused on (i) technology readiness levels, (ii) scalability of technologies, (iii) regulatory and accreditation requirements, and (iv) overview of the biotech funding environment
- The Business of Biosciences: focused on Entrepreneurship (i) business planning and lean start-ups, (ii) marketing, (iii) business administration, (iv) finance, (v) governance.
