What SPARK Provides
As a SPARKee, you get access to a set of benefits designed to move your project forward. These include the tools and support needed to de-risk your project and shape it for further development by attracting investment. The main objective is to bring your project closer to patients. See the details below for what you get.
Expert Mentorship
You’ll be matched with 2–4 industry advisors with expertise relevant to your project. These seasoned professionals from pharma, biotech, diagnostics, or medical device companies will:
- Meet with you as needed to provide strategic guidance
- Help you identify and overcome key translational challenges
- Connect you to resources, potential partners, and funding opportunities
- Share hard-won insights from their own careers in bringing products to market
As the project develops, local and international mentors from the SPARK network can also provide additional support depending on your needs.
Seed Funding
Selected projects receive funding of up to €75,000 to achieve specific translational milestones, such as:
- Target validation or lead optimisation studies
- Proof-of-concept experiments in disease-relevant models
- Prototype development and testing
- Preliminary regulatory consultation
- Intellectual property strategy and patent support
- Market assessment and competitive landscape analysis
The budget covers operating expenses only.
- Human resource costs are not eligible.
- Up to €800 (Masse 10) can be used for equipment purchases.
Educational Program
Throughout your SPARK journey, you'll participate in:
- Monthly SPARK seminars on translational topics and troubleshooting challenges.
- SPARK-Europe and Global webinar series with international experts (regulatory pathways, IP strategy, business models, etc.)
- Workshops on pitch development, investor presentations, and partnership negotiations
- One-on-one coaching sessions
Ecosystem Connections
In collaboration with local and international partners such as we'll connect you to:
- Local tech transfer office for any IP and licensing support
- Local and international clinical partners for patient insights and potential trials
- Regional and national funding agencies (Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, BPI France, ANR)
- Industry partners seeking innovations to in-license or collaborate on
- Local and international investors and entrepreneurs who can help advance your project
Global SPARK Network Access
You'll join a worldwide community of translational scientists, with opportunities to:
- Present at SPARK Global showcases and conferences
- Learn from success stories at other SPARK programs
- Connect with international mentors and collaborators
The SPARK-Bordeaux Program
Selected projects enter a 24-month program with structured support:
Month 1:
- Meet your assigned mentors
- Revise/develop detailed milestones and timeline
- Attend SPARK orientation
Months 2-24:
- Execute on milestones
- Proactively seek mentor advice
- Participate in SPARK seminars and events
- Quarterly check-ins with SPARK team
- 12-month progress report presentation
Month 24:
- Final presentation to SPARK community
- Evaluation of outcomes and next steps
- Continued advisory support as needed