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Statice Santé , a French SME specialised in micro-technical transformation and biomaterials has taken part in two different FP projects for the development of a bio-artificial pancreas for diabetes therapy thanks to its high technical expertise and its networks with research organsiations.

The first project named BARP was a Craft project within the 4th Framework programme. The second project, BARP +, in the continuation of BARP was launched within the 6th framework programme (Priority Nan technologies and Nan sciences ) and is still active. BARP + is a Specific Targeted Research Project and is coordinated by the European Center for research on diabete. It includes 14 partners.

The project aims at developing artificial pancreas for human application and integrates various types of skills from clinical research to advanced technologies (including nano-technologies).

Beyond an undisputable scientific and research excellence, success of this project essentially lies in complementarities of skills, cooperation and alliances, which have been built between partners. This project was made possible thanks to the links established between research organisation and the industry. Statice? highly technical skills in the use and moulding of silicone and Biodegradable and composite materials for medical use and research was a central factors for its participation. Besides, international dimension of the French SME and European “culture” facilitated the partenship.

It is important to say that BARP project was put together with the support of a French consulting company, Essor Europe specialised in R&D, and demonstration or technology transfer projects. Essor Europe got involved in the selection and the preparation of the project as well as in the management of the project, acting as a general secretariat (technical and and strategic management). Participants in BARP+ built on their previous experience of BARP.

The total cost of the project amounts to 3.62 million euros and the European funding allocated to this project to 2.5 million euros.

In December several new calls were published at Cordis website. Let us take a closer look at some of those where our SMEs have a chance to succeed.

Totally 52 mil. EUR will be spent for Specific Targeted Research Projects (STREP) and Co-ordination Actions (CA) in the area of Citizens and Governance in a knowledge-based society. The deadline for the 2nd call proposals is 13 April 2005. Continue reading ‘New FP6 calls for SMEs’

Cordis published yesterday the profiles of the first FP6 projects in support and SMEs. These are listed as Integrated Projects (IPs) or Specific Targeted Research, Projects (STREPs). Collective Research projects and Economic and Technological Intelligence (ETI) actions, under the FP5, have also been extended to the FP6.

The objective of ETI actions is to use existing sources and networks in order to identify SMEs’ needs and anticipate market and technology new trends. The projects promote innovation in SMEs, compile and analyse information on scientific developments and identify and disseminate best practice. Continue reading ‘Publication by CORDIS of profiles of the first FP6 projects in support of SMEs’