What is MIP?
Welcome to the Medical Innovation Program (MIP) for Human Reproduction!
This program is an initiative by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany that supports early stage innovation in the field of Human Reproduction. The goal of MIP is to translate biomedical science into clinical applications for the benefit of patients by providing funding and support throughout the translation process.
To achieve this, the MIP operates through an externally-driven model of "Open Innovation" that supports co-development and collaboration, bringing together internal and external expertise. It serves as a platform for interdisciplinary, conceptual, theoretical and methodological debate on how to provide new solutions to boost innovation in reproductive medicine.
The MIP is an ecosystem of collaboration, a "Collaborative Network" that connects participants and their research teams with a range of innovative services and experts. This ecosystem includes a Technical Supporting Platform (TSP), the University of Naples Federico II, offering key enabling technologies in the field of Biosensing, Bioimaging, Bioreactors and Nanoemulsion. In the future, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will explore opportunities for collaboration with other TSPs to extend the range of enabling technologies.
The MIP Vision See the vision for the Medical Innovation Program, the program's open innovation model and its functionalities.
Why MIP?
Research findings are often not translated into novel therapies to exploit health gain in Human Reproduction. Many researchers work on wonderful innovative ideas of high potential for clinical application; however, they may be lacking the support and resources needed to successfully enter the development phase and finish the process of translation into products or services that benefit patients. The MIP aspires to bridge the gap between research and practice to bring innovative solutions from "bench to bedside".
The MIP network brings cutting-edge enabling technologies to applicants and supports them throughout the entire early development phase. Applicants may also benefit from the online communication platform of MIP and interact with experts of various research and clinical backgrounds in a safe, intellectual property-protected environment.
Do you have a promising project and the aspiration to develop a product and bring it to the clinic? Then apply to the MIP!
How is the MIP different to the GFI?
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) showcased Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's commitment in the area of Human Reproduction; however, it also revealed several limitations. It taught us that there are needs beyond funding, such as access to support, networks and resources.
The MIP is a successor of the GFI and aims to overcome the GFI limitations by adopting collaborative, cross-functional and cost-effective approaches. MIP is a program developed using digital technologies, simplifying project administration and connecting researchers, industries and enablers.
The MIP drives innovation by following a lean approach, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and enhancing collaboration and co-creation across geographies and time zones in all phases of development to bridge the translational gap.
See the transition from the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) to the new Medical Innovation Program (MIP) for human reproduction