Seegene Inc., a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with Springer Nature, a trusted provider to the global scientific community and the publisher of the prestigious scientific journal, Nature.

Seegene and Springer Nature have launched 'Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants', a new project for the development of diagnostic assays. The programme empowers researchers worldwide to develop innovative diagnostic assays using Seegene's advanced multiplex PCR technology.

The global call for proposals builds on the success of the 2023 Open Innovation Programme, which attracted 281 applications from 47 countries, with 26 submissions selected. With the launch of the second phase, Seegene and Springer Nature are setting the stage for even broader participation and innovation, furthering their commitment to democratizing molecular diagnostics.

This year's call invites scientists across the globe to directly propose product development ideas. Researchers are required to submit proposals featuring qualitative PCR-based analysis targeting human infectious diseases.

Selected final awardees will receive significant support, including research funding of up to $600,000 per project, as well as Seegene's provision of syndromic PCR assays, extraction assays, consumables, instruments, and relevant software necessary for their clinical research project.

The application deadline is December 2, 2024. The first evaluation will conclude in February 2025, followed by on-site evaluation and final deliberation. The final awardees will be announced in August 2025 with Nature Awards leading the submission and evaluation process. Seegene will manage overall programme planning and onsite evaluations.