Q: Can I get guidance on writing the pre-proposal?
A: Yes, we encourage you to contact us, so that we can help you draft a milestone-based research plan with go/no-go decision points. Please contact the Senior Director, Translational Research at ifat_rubin-bejerano@hms.harvard.edu.
Q: Is the application considered fully confidential?
A: Yes, it is. All reviewers will be under confidentiality.
Q: Will the Blavatnik Family Foundation acquire any rights of ownership of the pre-existing IP?
A: No, they will not.
Q: How would any new IP developed under this program be handled?
A: All new IP will be filed by and assigned to the institutions. The Blavatnik Family Foundation will not own the IP.
Q: Who are the members of the Executive Steering Committee?
A: The Executive Steering Committee is composed of expert faculty at HMS and the affiliated institutions as well as experts from the venture and biopharma communities.
Q: Will the Executive Director of Therapeutics Translation be assigned to the projects by the Foundation? Is that person expected to have a fiduciary or executive position in any potential spin-out company?
A: The Executive Director of Therapeutics Translation is an employee of Harvard Medical School. He is not going to have any position at spin-out companies.
Q: Would the Harvard Office of Technology Development become involved in business discussions covering a BTCA-funded therapeutic if the IP were held solely by an affiliated institution?
A: No, it will not.
Q: Can awards be made to projects that are already optioned by a start-up company?
A: No, they cannot.
Q: Would vaccines be covered by this award?
A: Yes, they would.