Mayflower BioVentures, a cell and gene therapy accelerator, is being launched under the academic-industry partnership which is meant to identify and form independent companies to further development of Mayo Clinic technologies through preclinical and early feasibility studies.

According to the August 31 announcement, the Mayo Clinic has generated a portfolio of next-generation immune system modulators and multiple novel therapeutics in cell and gene therapy. The accelerator is envisioned as a springboard for startups to leverage Mayo's research capabilities and transition scientific discoveries from the lab bench to patients' bedsides.

"We believe this collaboration can bridge the gap between industry and innovative cell and gene therapy research, enabling emerging startups to navigate the challenges of producing meaningful, novel therapeutics that transform health and medicine," Andrew Danielsen, chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, said in a statement.