OUR HISTORY

BETWEEN TRADITION & INNOVATION

Toscana Life Sciences was established in the wake of a Sienese research tradition dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the Istituto Sieroterapico e Vaccinogeno Toscano (Tuscan Serotherapy and Vaccine Institute) was founded by Achille Sclavo. The science tradition has consolidated over the decades, as evidenced by the strong orientation of the area towards biotechnological research and development in the biomedical and clinical fields, and in the industrial field, with the presence of leading national and international companies operating in biotechnology and in the pharmaceutical and diagnostic sectors.

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2004

The Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences was founded in 2004 from the strong desire on the part of the institutional and entrepreneurial entities present in the local and regional territory, and the university, clinical, industrial and financial world, to create a scientific-technological hub in the life sciences sector.

2005

The challenge to transform research activities in the life sciences into entrepreneurial opportunities begins. Under the guidance of the General Manager Germano Carganico, the first international “Call for Applications” is launched for innovative startups and spinoffs interested in locating their activities in the bioincubator.

2006

Refurbishing begins and, in just eight months, the TLS bioincubator (building 36) is inaugurated. Two floors of fully equipped laboratories, offices and technological platforms, for an initial investment, including the purchase of equipment, of 12 million euros.

2008

TLS is the coordinator of the Italian BioParks group, sponsored by Assobiotec and APSTI, which encompasses Italian science parks with a particular commitment to the life sciences sector. From the fruitful relationships with the Region of Tuscany stems the Office for the Enhancement of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research (UVaR) managed by TLS.

2011

A change in top management for TLS: Andrea Paolini replaces Germano Carganico in the role of general manager. The Foundation is appointed sole manager of the Tuscan Life Sciences District, the regional cluster that aggregates public and private stakeholders (companies, research organizations, service centers, foundations, healthcare facilities) in the fields of Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, ICT for Health, Nutraceuticals.

2014

TLS consolidates its representative role in the recently established national cluster ALISEI. A year of relevant networking activities and creation of international partnerships culminated in the awarding of the Bronze Label for European Cluster of Excellence to TLS as coordinator of the regional Cluster.

2015

The transfer of use to TLS of the Medicine Research Centre (MRC) building of the former Siena Biotech Spa is a crucial aspect in the further enhancement of TLS facilities and technological platforms to attract and develop innovative startups, research and industrial projects. To complement these activities, TLS becomes one of the founding members of the Fondazione VITA Foundation - ITS “New Technologies for Life” for highly specialized education.

2016

A year truly filled with international acknowledgements for the companies of the bioincubator and which also marks the growing commitment of TLS in its in-house research activities. The year ends with the appointment of the new Scientific Committee, led by Professor Paola Castagnoli as Scientific Director and coordinator of the Committee.

2018

TLS is host institution of an ERC (European Research Council) Advanced Grant for a Research Project on antibiotic resistance. This brings the number of ERC projects hosted by TLS to 3, complementing the already strong commitment made since 2008 to research on orphan diseases (Orphan-1, Orphan-2 and Telethon Projects).

2020

Following the emergency caused by the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, TLS is committed to a project to research and develop a specific cure for COVID19 based on human monoclonal antibodies. The company TLS Sviluppo is established and paves the way for a broader project for the creation of a national pandemic reference center.

TLS MANIFESTO

In TLS siamo convinti che aggregare e valorizzare competenze diverse nel settore delle Scienze della Vita sia unire le conoscenze con approcci e punti di vista diversi, perché le fondamenta del Sapere sono sempre più ampie e profonde e con una crescita frenetica e non lineare.

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FIND A HOME IN TLS

TLS is the home of successful ideas. The Foundation is dedicated to business incubation, providing companies, startups and research groups with workspace, technologies and services within the Medicine Research Center (MRC) bioincubator.

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TLS RESEARCH

From basic research to industrial applications, project development is one of the missions of the Foundation. Today, TLS has taken on an increasingly important role in experimental design and in conducting applied research activities thanks to proprietary technological platforms and ever more specialized scientific skills.

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