CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) today announced its support of the launch of the MassNextGen initiative, a five-year, $1M program anchored by Takeda and matched by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), to support women-led or controlled early-stage biotech companies. This highly competitive program aims to provide a year-long customized package of support that includes funding and executive coaching. The announcement was made today at Takeda Boston, which included Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker.
“Despite being essential members of the life sciences industry, women continue to be underrepresented, including at the executive level in which there remains a large gender gap,” said Christophe Bianchi M.D., President, Takeda Global Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Boston Site Head. “As an organization committed to diversity and inclusion, our contributions to the MassNextGen program and collaboration with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will further elevate the innovations that are being created by women-led companies, which have strong potential to make a difference in the future of our industry and the lives of patients.”
“The strength of startup life sciences companies is critical to Massachusetts innovation economy and we are committed to building diversity and empowering more women entrepreneurs in this growing field,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This initiative will help more women-led companies to thrive, leveraging additional sources of capital and support to create new jobs and bring cutting edge innovation to the marketplace.”
“We are thrilled to begin this initiative with a strong partner in Takeda, and we look forward to collaborating with more companies, organizations and leaders to tackle this important issue,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Through STEM-training initiatives and private sector partnerships like these, our administration is committed to increasing the representation of women in the life sciences.”
Each year, beginning in January 2018, a panel of judges comprised of representatives from MLSC, Takeda and the Executive Coaching network will select two women-owned/controlled early-stage companies to receive a year-long customized package of support through the MassNextGen program. The criteria used to determine winners will include level of involvement of women in the conception, strategy and execution of the company, the proposed use of the funds and the business plan feasibility. Each customized package will include both funding and access to a network of executive coaches that will help support, advise, and mentor the recipients.
Proposals for the first year of the program are due in February. For more information about the MassNextGen program, please visit: www.masslifesciences.com/programs/massnextgen.
About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Takeda Pharmaceutical
Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven
pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a
brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing
medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology
and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda
conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading
edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and
gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the
growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to
improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in
health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.
Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com.
