DCVMN International is pleased to announce the launch of the 6th edition of its flagship Technology Transfer Training, which officially kicked off in early November. This year marks the first collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Italy, bringing together DCVMN’s long-standing commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capacity with ICGEB’s renowned expertise in bioprocess development and technology transfer.
This edition brings together ten participants from nine DCVMN member companies spanning from LATAM, Africa and SEARO. Through a hybrid format, combining an intensive online curriculum with a hands-on practical segment at ICGEB’s Biotechnology Development Unit (BDU) in Trieste, the programme equips participants with the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience needed to drive successful technology transfers within their organisations.
The five-week online component, currently underway, provides participants with the theoretical pillars of technology transfer through structured virtual modules, twice-weekly expert interactions, and practical assignments. As part of this phase, participants are exploring key topics such as:
- Intellectual property and licensing
- GMP and regulatory considerations
- Vaccine process platforms and their operational implications
- A structured roadmap for planning and executing technology transfers
- Common pitfalls and risk-mitigation strategies
Participants who complete the online programme will transition to the in-person training at ICGEB Trieste from 15–19 December 2025, where they will gain hands-on experience in a GMP-like environment. The practical segment takes place within the BDU, an applied research facility dedicated to developing biotherapeutic production technologies and supporting capacity building.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Dr. Natasa Skoko, Head of the BDU, noted: “This allows participants to experience the concepts learned in a live GMP-like environment where they learn by doing.”
The DCVMN Technology Transfer Training was established to catalyse technology transfer initiatives within developing countries and to support manufacturers in adopting, scaling, and sustaining new technologies. By empowering professionals to bring this expertise back to their organisations, the programme amplifies its impact, thus strengthening teams, facilities, and ultimately, national and regional vaccine production capabilities.
This collaboration with ICGEB reinforces DCVMN’s commitment to foster professional development and supporting the long-term growth of a skilled vaccine manufacturing workforce. As participants translate their learnings into action, they contribute to the broader mission we collectively share: expanding equitable access to high-quality vaccines and strengthening global health security through resilient local manufacturing.
DCVMN looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership and to witnessing the progress and innovations that will emerge from this edition’s cohort.
