BaseLaunch Accelerator: More money directed towards therapeutics

The BaseLaunch accelerator, managed and operated by BaselArea.swiss, provides young projects with a platform to advance their solutions with the support of experts from the life-sciences industry. Since early 2018, BaseLaunch has supported nine ventures that have, in total, raised over 100 million USD in financing. Several pharma collaborations have been established and one company was sold. In December 2019, the accelerator added another four companies to the portfolio.

To build on this success, BaseLaunch has increased the available funding to up to 500,000 USD per company and narrowed the main focus to therapeutic solutions as of 2020. Neil Goldsmith, Director of Strategy at BaseLaunch elucidated on this decision stating that: “The therapeutics is the area where we can make the most compelling offer to new ventures.  Basel is undoubtedly strong in many areas of life-sciences, however, is pre-eminent in Europe due to the depth of its pharmaceutical expertise.”

This year also sees changes in the application process. Newly, the program committee will accept applications on a rolling basis from applicants across the world. Each year different dates will be published online in a sequential manner, and there will be specific dates for meeting with the program's partners and reviewing incoming deal-flow.

The first deadline for the full application is on 22nd June. Aspirants are advised to submit their expression of interest at least a few days before the date in order to have the opportunity to work with the BaseLaunch team who will support them in crafting their final submission package. As stated by Martin Jordan from the accelerator, early engagement can improve the chances of getting funded.

(RAN /SK)

Pcture: Arek Socha / Pixabay