The launch of the Medical Innovation Program for human reproduction

The Medical Innovation Program has been launched and it accepts applications!

Vienna, 25th of June 2019: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany announces the launch of a new program in the field of human reproduction, named “Medical Innovation Program” (MIP). The MIP gives academics, researchers and clinicians the opportunity to translate innovations into products for patients by providing support and expertise through a large cross-functional network. This exciting announcement coincides with the ESHRE Annual Meeting 2019, one of the largest and most important events in the area of fertility.

Why is this program unique?

·       Applies open innovation models

The MIP is rooted on the grounds of open innovation that favours co-creation. Open innovation leverages the expertise coming from research institutions in order to speed up the process of translating fertility research into clinical practice. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has a broad portfolio of treatment options, devices and advanced fertility technologies, and strives to continuously drive innovation in the fertility field. Hence, the MIP is aiming to enrich this portfolio by supporting technologies, knowledge and partnerships that are generated in academia.

As Dr Salvatore Longobardi, Senior Global Medical Director in Fertility at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany mentioned “The next wave of innovation will come by the right integration between external competence, internal competence, external ideas, internal processes.”

·       Creates a large network

The MIP creates a dynamic network where academia, industry, service provides and experts come together, connect and interact. This ecosystem is composed of three main components: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the generator of the program; the University of Naples Federico II, the core part of a wider Technical Supporting Platform (TSP); and the spokes, which are the several collaborators and experts.

·       Provides support at all stages

The MIP is an initiative providing comprehensive support to all participants. Unlike its predecessor, the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) and other grants systems, the MIP presents an holistic approach that offers support throughout the steps of the development journey. 

What are the benefits for the participants?

·       Support from industry

As a participant in the MIP you can find opportunities for collaborations and partnerships with industry, to accelerate the development process. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, as a core component of the program, embraces a unique approach of co-creation to actively offer you expert support at all development phases and enable your team to reach their milestones.

·       Part of a large network

One of the major bottlenecks you may face in translating research is inefficient communication. The MIP overcomes this barrier by creating a cross-functional network that will connect your team with people of diverse expertise from all around the world. In this network you can to participate in conversations, exchange ideas and collaborate through an easy to use virtual platform, where location and time-zone become irrelevant.

·       Access to enabling technologies

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is committed to bring the best innovations to the clinic. In order to do this the MIP is offering support from one of the world-leading interdisciplinary institutions, the University of Naples Federico II, in Italy. As a participant you will have the opportunity to leverage the expertise provided by the scientists and the high-level laboratory services available.

·       Control progress

The MIP platform will allow you to set milestones, self-monitor and review your progress. As a participant you will have the opportunity to track your performance online and receive feedback as early as at application stage. This system puts control in your own hands to optimise project development.

 Why should you apply?

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is proud of a strong heritage and leadership in fertility, is driven by passion for continuing to help people fulfil their dreams of having a baby and is looking for partners like you to this mission.

Are you a driven, enthusiastic individual developing a technology that could transform the lives of infertility patients? You are welcome to apply! In the MIP you will have the opportunity to generate a product to make a real difference in people’s lives. Inside the MIP network you will feel empowered, find the support you are looking for, while keeping control of your progress, with the aim to unleash the potential of early scientific development for the benefit of the patients.

by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in collaboration with medDigital

June 2019

GBPMLR/NONF/0519/0113b