A long term industrial relationship between academia and Industry bears fruit with a new collaboration agreement for the University Joseph Fourier
Floralis, the technology transfer subsidiary of the University Joseph Fourier (UJF), Grenoble, is pleased to announce the signing of a collaboration agreement between the UJF and CAIRN Research Ltd, UK. The deal is the result of a four year relationship between Marco Canepari a member of the joint UJF/Inserm research unit and CAIRN, which saw the researcher play a key role in the product development of imaging equipment destined for use in the field of neurological research and, potentially, cardio sciences.
Voltage Imaging is a rapidly expanding optical-imaging technique that uses cutting-edge technology to help scientists better understand neurological function. Our understanding of the brain relies on multisite analyses of chemical and electrical activity of neurons. These  analyses are crucial to the understanding of the mechanisms of a vast array of human illnesses that involve synaptic activity .  Within this context, research using voltage imaging can uncover abnormal connectivity or the dysfunction caused by specific proteins associated with a particular disease which, can, in turn, lead to opportunities to test novel therapeutic strategies.
 
In the past, high prices and technical difficulties have posed major obstacles for laboratories interested in using voltage imaging equipment. In order to overcome these obstacles, Marco Canepari and his team set about developing a range of optical equipment that is relatively simple to install and that can be sold at price that is acceptable to academia. The project was made possible as a result of a 255K€ grant awarded to the research team by the ANR (National French Research Agency) which was particularly attracted by both its academic and commercial potential.

The end result is a set of user-friendly, easy to install and cost-effective products including the Dual Neuro CCD-SMQ imaging system and a dual laser/LED illumination system. Both products were launched in November by Redshirt Imaging and by CAIRN Research at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience that took place in Washington DC in November 2011. 

Canepari joined forces with the Floralis Business Manager, Marie-Gabrielle Jouan, to promote both the products and the research competencies of the University Joseph Fourier at the world’s largest neuroscience conference and exhibition,  an event that attracted over 32,000 key players from around the globe. This co-funded project enabled Floralis to make contact with a variety of new potential customers.

The nature of the close relationship Canepari shares with his industrial partners can be considered to be atypical to a certain extent. For even though the researcher made contact with CAIRN in order to develop a product that would satisfy his own academic needs, their relationship has since blossomed into a long-term partnership which sees the needs of both the private and public sectors intertwined.
Marco Canepari stated: “I am delighted that the collaboration agreement with CAIRN has been signed. The long term relationship that I have enjoyed with CAIRN in the UK and Redshirt in the US is tangible proof of what can happen when technology inspired and designed in academia is transferred to industry. It also demonstrates the vital role of SMEs in the technology transfer process. The proximity between private and public sector organisations and end users in our project has meant that it is both easier to identify market needs and meet them. Furthermore, the surprisingly short time needed to launch our first products is, to my mind, also evidence of the value of ANR funding, without which, this project would have stalled. Future revenues generated from royalty payments will be fed back into our R&D programme to continue funding research into voltage imaging creating a virtuous circle. On a personal level, I see the success of the VOLTIMAGMICRO project is only the first stage in a long-term collaboration with our partners. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it