2.1 Sponsored satellite session: Helping researchers secure funding: how digitisation can help elevate your profile in the global research ecosystem

Organiser: nuvoteQ

Africa shoulders over a quarter of the world's disease burden, yet conducts less than 3% of global clinical trials. A major hurdle in attracting research funding is the scarcity of modern, validated digital infrastructure. This deficiency hinders African research institutions from operating efficiently, meeting international compliance standards, and effectively showcasing their capabilities to potential sponsors and funding bodies.

The nuvoteQ Group, comprising nuvoteQ.io, Scigenix.ai, and the nuvoteQ Foundation, addresses this challenge by developing purpose-built digital solutions within Africa. These innovations empower local research centres to enhance their visibility, improve operational excellence, and ultimately secure more funding opportunities.

One key solution is KRONUS CTMS (www.nuvoteQ.io/kronus), a fully web-based Clinical Trial Management System. KRONUS streamlines internal workflows by digitising participant scheduling, protocol tracking, site monitoring, and inventory control. Real-time dashboards and automated notifications further enhance efficiency. Crucially, KRONUS aids in regulatory compliance with standards like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EMA Annex 11. Its modular design suits both single and multi-site studies, enabling centres to move beyond inefficient spreadsheets and paper-based systems, thereby improving audit readiness and funder confidence.

Another vital tool is Nukleus (www.nuvoteQ.io/nukleus), an Electronic Research Record platform. Nukleus facilitates the transition from paper-based documentation to secure, compliant digital records. The platform ensures standardised data capture, provides real-time validation and audit trails, and employs enterprise-grade security to protect sensitive data. By digitising records, Nukleus enhances data quality, improves protocol compliance, and strengthens research sites' reputations with sponsors and regulatory bodies – crucial factors for attracting international funding.

Scigenix.ai complements these platforms by offering end-to-end biometric and data science services. Their expertise spans study design consulting, clinical data management, and biostatistical analysis using tools like R. Scigenix ensures research projects benefit from accurate data, efficient processes, and advanced analytics, ultimately improving outcomes and timelines.

This suite of African-developed digital tools offers a pathway for African research sites to elevate their operations and compete effectively on the global stage, making this session essential for researchers, funders, sponsors, and regulators alike.