Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) is actively considering to launch a Seed Capital Fund, which would be directed towards funding, proof of concept stage technologies with good commercialisation prospects. The initial corpus for this fund would be approximately Rs 5 crore. The developer would also endeavour to source funds from other financial institutions and high net worth individuals to increase the corpus to Rs 20 crore.
In order to create scientific talent pool, Shapporji Pallonji is promoting an Entrepreneurship Program for M Sc / PhD students as well as scientists in research laboratories, in collaboration with Imperial College of London, Indian School of Business (ISB) and University of Hyderabad. The Entrepreneurship Program would address all issues associated with emerging companies, including raising funds from Venture Capitalists and financial institutions. Soft-skills training would also form a part of the curriculum.
To ensure a robust pipeline of technologies with commercial prospects, Shapoorji Pallonji has also initiated action to set-up a Virtual Technology Transfer platform in association with its sister-parks such as Technologiepark Heidelberg GmbH, Germany; Laval Technopole, Quebec, Canada; Tsinghua Science Park, Beijing, China; Jinan Hi-Tech Development Zone, Jinan, China; Qingdao Hi-Tech Industrial Zone, Qingdao, China; Shanghai Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, China; Atlanpole, Nantes, France; St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, Great Britain; Parco Tecnologico Padano, Lodi / Milano, Italy; Tecnoparque International de Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama; BioCity Jeddah, Jeddah,Saudi Arabia; Singapore Science Park, Singapore; Parc de Cientific de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Parque Technologico de Bilbao, Bilibao, Spain; STUNS, Uppsala, Sweden; and Louisville Medical Center, Kentucky, USA.
The concept of creating a database of technologies available at these clusters has been reviewed at the peer level to confirm its commercial viability. This entire database would be available for commercialising promising technologies developed by the entrepreneurs.