This project was initiated essentially by a question that has been a universal
problem for a very long time, namely how can we reduce non-specific binding
of macromolecules to surfaces used in biosensors and optimise therefore the
distribution, orientation and availability of target molecules thereby enhancing
the selectivity and sensitivity of biosensors. The arrival of Claude Nogues in
the lab was pure serendipity since not only did she have an excellent physical
chemical and biochemical background but she also immediately not only
grasped the nature of the problem but very quickly embarked on a research
programme that lead to an original and efficient solution. Claude also had the
vision to realise that this technological breakthrough was exactly the sort of
thing that would insert into the emerging system of valorisation being proposed
by SATT. We therefore immediately prepared a proposal that sailed through
the selection process for pre-selection then found ourselves in this fascinating
interface between academic research and an applied business oriented
approach, managed somehow to write a project that seemed to appeal to
the SATT and were gratified by the award of a maturation project. The role of the designated SATT team through this process was primordial; we were accompanied by extremely proficient, talented and enthusiastic people from SATT who calmly lead us through this terminological minefield, organised a whole series of meetings and discussions and in a very professional way prepared us for the maturation phase.

As we hinted to in the last reply, the collaboration with the SATT team was flawless. At every step, whether from how to present our subject at a pitch' - a short presentation that encompasses the scientific technological but essentially commercial and marketing aspects of the potential start up, through the preparation of the written part of the project with its endless array of milestones and GANNT charts, and of documents leading to a patent application, interactions with various legal cabinets, the recruitment of personnel who will accompany us through the maturation phase and the acquisition of technological material essential for the project, the response of the SATT team was efficient and professional and at no moment were we ever given the impression that our efforts would not be crowned with success. Whereas Malcolm was unjustifiably sceptical about the role and indeed the utility of the SATT in this process, Claude had immediately recognised that in fact the SATT were well
positioned and experienced in this domain in which we had literally no idea of how to proceed. The professional approach adapted by the SATT coupled with the means that they placed at our disposal convinced the CNRS to leave the SATT in control of the project, through the maturation phase.

The maturation phase consists of a heavily controlled series of transitions through well defined milestones each one leading to a tangible deliverable with the goal at the end of the day to provide well characterised products, industry defined standard operating protocols and a patent database with an immediate capability to be outlicensed. The ultimate goal is to the creation of a start up. Such is the momentum that we have obtained through the pre-maturation and co-construction phases that we are well in advance in terms of the relative maturity of the project and it is extremely probable that the start up company will in fact be formed during and therefore in parallel with the maturation phase. It is again to the credit of the SATT that this is completely coherent and compatible with the maturation phase. The 18-month project is adequately financed allowing the recruitment of two engineers who will work independently but synergistically on separate aspects of the project. SATT has taken charge of the acquisition of the scientific material required, the human resources for recruitment, the control of the day to day financial aspects of the budget relating to consumables and has put in place a well-organised planning for frequent meetings and reporting checkpoints; the tight logistics of the maturation phase are designed to optimise the transition through the milestones, expedite the production of deliverables and substantially increase the probabilities of success of the project. Finally we would like to acknowledge the help that we received from the valorisation department at the ENS Paris-Saclay and especially to point out that our initial contacts and interactions with the SATT were actively encouraged and assisted by the administrator of the IDA
thus underlining the important federative role of the IDA in the valorisation strategy of its component laboratories.