scitree final report
DESCRIPTION
Final Report for the Venture labTRANSCRIPT
Why we do this
Elena Kalmykova“The idea of this project first came to me during my doctoral research in philosophy, which included investigation of knowledge production and distribution in science. I believe it is really important for the scholar not only to convey research, but also to contribute to human wellbeing, make science work for global society.”
John Noel M. Viaña“As an aspiring scientist, I believe in the value of collaboration. Scientists should not just confine themselves within their own academic or research circles, but rather try to reach out to companies and investors to fully realize their research goals and even turn their research output into something that can benefit other people.”
Problem
New technologies (materials, substances, technique) are a basis of contemporary economy and an ideal target for investment. Science produces plenty of new technologies, which can be converted into business product, and create revenue.
However investors do not have direct access to information about new technologies worldwide. It especially concerns cutting edge technologies, produced in the third-world countries.
There is a gap between Science and business, between new technologies and their implementation to solve real world problems.
Reasons
Scientific networks have no contact or crossing with investors’ networks.
Scientific Output comes in form of verbose papers, inaccessible and incomprehensible for people outside of academy.
Investors’ Input comes in form of simple and short presentations and business plans, which scientists are not used to make.
The organizations mediating partnerships between science and business work with European and American scientists, neglecting technology from lesser-known regions and developing countries.
Solution
SciTree A web platform for collaboration
between scientists and investors
• Changing scientific Output :short statement about new technology (150 words)+ link to a paper. As our surveys have shown, it’s the best format for scientists and investors.
• Investors can find an expertise for new technologies, look for a technology they want to turn into a product, buy patents
• Big companies can find a research group for hiring and investment
•We provide brokering between scientists and investors
• Constant monitoring of new technologies
Market
Over 5 million scientists are developing new technologies (biology, medicine, materials, etc).
Scientists get financing by writing articles for peer-review journals and project proposals for research funds (government organizations), which takes up to 50% of their working time. This is ineffective usage of their time and brainpower.
Companies spend up to 43% of revenue on R&D (Allergan – 43.4%, Eriksson – 24.9%). New technologies are important for progress and successful competition. Big companies are hunting for new technologies. But they miss all perspective and groundbreaking technologies from the third world, as there are no platforms giving access to these technologies.
With SciTree entire science can be used as your own R&D department. Outsource your R&D globally.
Business Model
• Research groups and scientists in the academe• Investment firms and investors• Science and technology-oriented companies
Key Partnerships
• Creation and maintenance of SciTree’s website• Establishment of contacts and registered users
from the industry and academe• Networking with Investors, S&T companies
Key Activities
• Web hosting, CMS, database• Contacts both in the industry and academe• Network of investors and scientists• Resource personnel and Technical staff
Key Resources
• Environment for interdisciplinary scientific work and direct communication with investors and S&T companies
• Problem-based organization of Science research• Venue for outlicensing patented technologies and
brokering of academe-industry partnerships (Non-Disclosure Agreements)
• Updates from scientists from all around the world• Concise, brief, and reputable Science news
Value Propositions
Business Model
• Correspondence (e-mail, written letters) with scientists, investors, and companies
• Featuring cases of successful partnerships
Customer Relationships
• Internet; flyers and brochures; booths in scientific conferences; direct contact with universities and Technological Transfer Offices; communication (direct or e-mail dropshots) with investors and S&T companies
Channels
• Scientists and Academics looking for external funding• Investors and S&T companies looking to outsource
patented technologies and collaborate with the academe
Customer Segments
• Web hosting, site design, and database management• Advertisements and marketing in scientific conferences• Recruitment of skilled professionals and technical staff• Participation fees in actual networking events
Cost Structure
• Targeted advertising (Google Ads)• Membership and monthly subscription fees to investor-
specific Science news and updates• Brokering of academe and industry partnerships
Revenue Streams
Marketing
Advertising: targeted ads (lab equipment, laptops etc)
Investors:pay for subscription (golden and
silver membership), exclusive access to database of patents
and community of experts
Scientists: pay to promote your news or team
Investors: pay for review of dynamics of field
development, analytics, consulting and selection of
teams for investment
Universities: pay for advertising academic jobs
Brokering of partnerships between scientists and
investors
Competitors
Social network for scientists, 1.7 million users. Deficiencies: scientists only, output in a form of big articles.
Social network for scientists, 1.8 million users. Deficiencies: scientists only, output in a form of big articles.
A consultancy firm, Deficiencies: high price, lack of transparency, lack of direct contacts with scientists, no third-world technologies.
Risks• Lack of interest of customers to SciTree
Strategy: Keeping track of user opinions regarding SciTree and applying them
• Failure of Online BrokeringStrategy: Focus on Other Revenue Streams
• Competitors copying or simulating features unique to SciTree
Strategy: Improve our proposition to the customers and improve service
Funding Sources1. Large foundations that
support scientific structure development efforts
2. International Grant-giving Agencies (European FP7 Capacities programme)
3. Individuals (venture capitalists, business angels)
Team
Dr. Elena Kalmykova, CEO
PhD in Philosophy (Uppsala University, Sweden). Graduated from Oriental and Philosophy Faculties at Saint-Petersburg State University. Courses attended: Technology Entrepreneurship (Stanford University), Researchers and Leadership (Swedish Institute). Published over 20 papers on the topics such as structure of scientific knowledge and communication in science. Work experience in web-projects: Electric Jungle (Sun Microsystems), SMM, web design, member of Wallenberg Calendar team.
John Noel M. Viaña, CMO
BS in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (University of the Philippines - Diliman).
Has worked at the Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UP DilimanMember of international honor societies (Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society). Courses attended: Technological Entrepreneurship at Stanford’s Venture Lab.
Syrgak Turgumbaev, CTO
BS in Computer Science (Kyrgyz State Technical University)Has 4 year work experience as software developer at Xponaut AB, Sweden and 2.5 year experience as web consultant at ModularStreams Sweden AB. Working with Drupal, PHP, Flex, CSS3, HTML5, programming language: C++.
Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, mentor
Professor of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at University of the Philippines DilimanDirector, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office at University of the Philippines.Has experience working as UK Biotech Consultant/Business Intelligence Provider at FreelanceBioscience Key Account Manager at London Biotechnology Network System