“CGDN’s strategic fund was of great assistance in funding the proof-of-principle required for my osteoperosis patents which were part of the basis for SignalGene’s new business plan.” Francois Rousseau, Laval University

“Our scientific and commercial partnerships with CGDN have played an important role in Xenon’s rapid growth.” Frank Holler, Chief Executive Officer, Xenon

CGDN’s commercialization activities are driven by its Strategic Funding program. The network’s strategic fund is used as a source of seed financing for entrepreneurial scientists, who wish to validate a new technology or discovery that has commercial potential. In addition, CGDN will assist the entrepreneur with strategic decision-making, networking, and finding new sources of capital. Upon validation, commercial development of these validated technologies then typically proceeds through either out-licensing or the creation of a new biotechnology company.

The Canadian Genetic Disease Network has played an active role in the catalyzing the commercialization of intellectual property developed within its network. It has invested more than $800,000 in early-stage financing to promising research projects at Canadian institutions between 1998 and 2002. And, its investments have led to the creation of 9 promising biotechnology companies (see Company Profiles).