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From idea to validated material through joint development with HeiQ

Innovate with HeiQ to turn promising concepts into proven materials

Joint material development with HeiQ is a phased collaboration that takes your idea toward a validated, launch-ready material. Through a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), we define shared milestones, run focused proof-of-concept work, and make go or no-go decisions at each stage. You work directly with HeiQ experts and facilities, following a clear and transparent IP framework.

HeiQ joint material development
Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) bring partners and HeiQ teams together to develop solutions side by side, with direct, day‑to‑day access to HeiQ experts.

How joint material development works

Joint material development is designed to support innovation while managing technical and commercial uncertainty.

  • Collaboration

    Collaboration is structured through a Joint Development Agreement (JDA). 

  • Project phasing

    Projects are divided into phases with defined milestones. Each phase includes clear objectives and evaluation criteria. Progression between phases is jointly agreed based on results.

  • Intellectual property

    Intellectual property terms are defined upfront and documented.

What you gain from a JDA with HeiQ

Joint material development focuses on clarity, alignment, and shared ownership of progress.

  • Expertise

    Direct access to HeiQ experts, laboratories, and development capabilities.

  • Proof of concept

    Focused proof-of-concept activities with defined scope. Transparent data sharing and documentation. Structured decision points that support go or no-go outcomes. 

  • Collaboration

    A collaboration framework designed to reduce uncertainty in material development.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    • What is a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with HeiQ?
    • How does HeiQ support material development during a project?
    • What capabilities do HeiQ Innovation Services include beyond development?
    Don’t see the answer you’re looking for?
    Explore HeiQ

    A JDA is a structured collaboration that defines how we develop a new material together. We set shared milestones, run proof‑of‑concept work, and review results at each phase before moving forward. IP terms and data use are agreed upfront

    You work directly with HeiQ teams in our laboratories to design, test, and refine materials. Each phase has clear objectives, defined tests, and documented results. Progress depends on meeting agreed performance criteria.

    HeiQ connects development with testing, funding support, and innovation networks. We run material testing in-house, support access to grants when relevant, and link projects to external partners when needed. This keeps development, validation, and collaboration aligned.

  • News: HeiQ launches Precision Fermentation Lab to accelerate biotech innovation

    HeiQ launches its new Precision Fermentation Laboratory in Switzerland, making a decisive leap forward in sustainable biotechnology.

    HeiQ launches its new Precision Fermentation Laboratory in Switzerland, making a decisive leap forward in sustainable biotechnology. The state-of-the-art facility serves as center of excellence for developing high-purity microbial postbiotic actives, innovative ingredients poised to transform industries traditionally dependent on petrochemical or agricultural resources. 
     

    With this new hub, HeiQ reinforces its leadership in the rapidly expanding precision fermentation sector, advancing bio-based performance materials for wound care, cosmetics, textiles, packaging, hygiene, and water treatment. The global precision fermentation market is projected to grow from USD 4.25 billion in 2024 to USD 290.03 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 46.8%¹. “Precision fermentation is a turning point for sustainable material science,” said Dr. Robin Temmerman, Head of HeiQ Life Sciences. “Through this lab, we are unlocking the power of microorganisms to craft the next generation of actives that combine outstanding performance, purity, and genuine sustainability”. 
     

    From research to scalable production 

    Equipped for microbial strain development, fermentation optimization, and pilot-scale process advancement, the lab bridges discovery to pre-commercial scale-up and validation. It strengthens HeiQ’s partnerships with global leaders in cosmetics, medtech, paper and packaging, feed and animal care, water treatment, and both professional and household cleaning. Many of these partners are already collaborating with HeiQ on synbiotic and microbiome-based technologies. “Our team translates breakthrough microbial science into real-world impact, delivering scalable, regulatory-ready solutions for healthcare and consumer goods,” added Dr. Ana Bela Torres, Chief Technology Officer of HeiQ Life Sciences. 
     

    Strategic investment in Switzerland’s biotech cluster 

    Located in Schlieren, Zurich, within Switzerland’s vibrant biotech cluster, the lab builds on over three decades of HeiQ’s biotechnology expertise. Its research roadmap includes next-generation postbiotic actives, bacterial cellulose for advanced wound care, textile functionality and packaging reinforcement, and synbiotic formulations that promote balanced microbial ecosystems. This strategic investment affirms HeiQ’s long-term commitment to replacing conventional materials with sustainable, science-driven alternatives that offer superior performance with lower environmental impact. HeiQ invites partners in healthcare, hygiene, cosmetics, textiles, and environmental sectors to co-develop the next generation of precision-fermented solutions for a more resilient future powered by regenerative biotechnology. 

    ¹ Market Research Future – Precision Fermentation Market Forecast   
     
     

    About HeiQ Life Sciences 

    HeiQ Life Sciences, part of the HeiQ Group, specializes in advanced probiotic and synbiotic technologies to redefine sustainable applications. With over 30 years at the forefront of biotechnology, the team has introduced pioneering solutions for cleaning and water treatment that deliver deeper, longer-lasting effects while fostering balanced microbial ecosystems. HeiQ's expertise spans surface care and personal care, textiles, and water systems, always focused on eco-driven hygiene. Backed by a global network, HeiQ Life Sciences delivers next-generation cleaning innovations to partners and consumers worldwide
     

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    PowerPoint Presentation
  • White papers

    HeiQ invests in innovative product innovation, in cooperation with partners and research institutes.

    Applications of precision fermentation technology: From lab to market impact

    • Dr. Ana Bela Torres, Chief Technology Officer, HeiQ Life Sciences
    • April 2026
    Download · 68.37 KB
  • Funding & subsidy

    Our team helps you secure innovation funding by matching your project with the most suitable grant programs.

    Our team helps you secure innovation funding by matching your project with the most suitable grant programs. We handle proposal writing from beginning to end so your R&D can keep moving. With clear timelines and evidence‑based submissions, we maximize your chances of success.

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  • Innovation networks

    Together, we set up innovation networks that connect companies and industries and move projects forward on clear timelines.

    Strong innovations need strong partners. We connect you with academic and industrial experts who bring the knowledge, facilities, or methods your team needs. Together, we set up innovation networks that connect companies and industries and move projects forward on clear timelines.

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    HeiQ innovation networks
    Our innovation network managers work industries and research partners to help create solutions for challenges, e.g. firefighter cancer.
    Read more

Our university and research institute partners