BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2024

BGN In 2023, BGN Technologies, BGU’s technology transfer company, redefined and solidified its role in supporting applied research and commercializing the University’s intellectual property. Over the course of the year, BGN implemented strategic changes to better fulfill this mission: First, it established the Bio-Innovation Unit to assist researchers engaged in applied bio-related research. This unit identifies opportunities and develops strategies to transition from ideation to pre-commercial technologies. The unit also promotes multi-disciplinary research between BGU’s bio-related researchers and researchers from other fields with the aim of generating cutting-edge technologies. In July 2023, the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN) underwent a strategic reorganization, integrating its activities with BGN to enhance the commercialization potential of the University's technologies. Operating under a new, comprehensive model, the NIBN functions as an R&D accelerator specializing in bio-related projects. These projects are selected through a process involving the new Bio Innovation Unit, the NIBN, and BGN’s IP and Business Development teams, which provide support throughout the acceleration process to maximize the potential for eventual commercialization. BGN, in collaboration with the Merage Foundation Israel, Soroka University Medical Center, Dell Computers, and Elbit Systems, established Synergy 7 , a company that secured a NIS 25 million government tender to establish an innovation hub which will develop three new technological infrastructure projects aimed at attracting startups and multinational companies to Beer-Sheva. Furthermore, the University is poised to play a pivotal role in two regional innovation centers recently selected as part of a NIS 100 million investment program by various government ministries. These centers aim to foster entrepreneurship and high-tech employment across the periphery. BGN will lead the University's participation in two centers: Synnovation Eilat-Eilot , a partnership focused on biotechnology and aquaculture driving innovation and growth in the Eilat region, and the DesertTech and Climate Innovation Center in Beer- Sheva, focusing on climate and desert technologies.

research agreements with Israeli and international companies 56 new patent applications filed 102 grant applications submitted to Israel Innovation Authority with over 70% success rate 60

new startups launched 3

A consortium comprising approximately 500 companies and entities, operating under the French organization Bioeconomy for Change (B4C), has chosen BGN as its partner for a strategic collaboration to develop advanced technologies in synthetic biology. The consortium unites stakeholders from various sectors of the economy under a shared objective: maximizing the use of renewable resources in diverse fields such as cosmetics, agriculture, disease diagnosis, and therapy. The collaboration agreement will facilitate investment in joint ventures and technology-based startups developed at BGU.

A delegation from Bioeconomy for Change met with BGN at the Marcus Family Campus. Photo: Ira Golub

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President's Report 2024