STEM-TECH has been designed to investigate the commercial opportunity for exploiting our patented stem cell marker technology in the life sciences market. This proprietary technology will meet the need for new enabling technologies that unlock the potential of stem cell detection in academic, industrial and clinical research and practice.THE OPPORTUNITYThe stem cell market is a relatively immature market with an estimated size of around EUR 1 billion in 2011. It is expected that the market for stem cell technologies will increase substantially, mainly because leading biopharmaceutical companies are showing considerable interest in this area. Next to the pharma industry, major suppliers and small companies are now developing a wide range of stem cell approaches, which reflects the interest in this emerging area. Companies like Invitrogen provide reagents and services for stem cell research.THE PROJECTIn STEM-TECH the central aim is to commercialise a (cancer) stem cell detection technology that can be used in intestinal, skin, breast and brain (cancer) stem cell research for (not exhaustive):- Fundamental and applied research purposes, e.g. the study of stem cell behaviour or signaling in and ex vivo;- The development of clinical detection methods (diagnostics) for determining disease status and metastasis;- The development of treatments that are specifically targeted at cancer stem cells.THE FINAL GOALIn a 12 month project, the skilled team of STEM-TECH will analyse the business potential of the proprietary stem cell marker technology. Within this project we will validate the technology to increase value, conduct a detailed market research, file and define the IP stratetgy and develop a full fledged business plan. The path that results in the highest ratio of return over effort will be used for commercialization.