The technology transfer office of the University of Neuchâtel offers assistance in finding a business partner for NCCR Plant Survival members. It maintains close contacts with partners in applied research, industry, and communication platforms.

WP1.1
Firstly Felix Kessler's lab enhances plastoglobules content for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purpose. Secondly, the current research of Sam Zeeman's group on starch quality and quantity will find applications in the domain of human nutrition (cassava crop) or biofuel as well as in the improvement of forage crops.

WP1.2
This subproject has two strong applied aspects the first is linked to Enrico Martinoia's lab, where plants are selected for their ability to enter into mycorrhizal associations even in fertilized soils. In addition, the exploitation of genes involved in the transport of secondary metabolites could be exploited for a more efficient colonization process.

WP2.1
This project aims to unravel the mechanisms of plant root defenses and use this knowledge to develop new crop protection strategies.  The scientists directed by Ted Turlings already successfully manipulated a root signal that is attractive to insect-killing nematodes and thereby significantly improved the control of a major root pest. Seed producing companies, including Syngenta, have expressed interest. The project of Patrick Guerin on improvement of pheromone trapping with plant volatiles will be supported by Swiss industries.

WP2.2
The group of Cris Kuhlemeier develops novel, non-GMO methods for plant breeding. Continuing interaction with high-tech plant breeding companies is foreseen.

WP2.3
The involvement of Joerg Romeis in this subproject has the aim to foster the research results on evolution of host-specificity into transfer of knowledge. Numerous guidelines and conceptual documents are addressed to the practitioners.

WP3.1 and WP3.2
This subproject has two strong applied aspects. Antoine Guisan and Markus Fischer are developing predictive models to manage invasive or rare species, providing guidelines and screening protocols for the stakeholders and practitioners. Heinz Müller-Schärer is preparing a European Project on sustainable management of Ambrosia, a plant that has strong negative impact on the economy and human health.

WP4
WP4 Scientists are interacting with the other above-mentioned groups and thus will be directly involved in the transfer of knowledge and technology. Additionally they will continue to develop statistical software for the R project.