Roche and the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) have formed an alliance to identify, fund and support early stage life science startup companies in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The program, “Collaborative Startups,” is a three-way partnership between industry, QB3, and entrepreneurs, and aims to ensure that startups are optimally structured, operationally efficient, and funded to succeed.

If appropriate, candidates will be routed through QB3 Startup in a Box, which coordinates legal support from leading Bay Area law firms as startups incorporate. Candidates will also benefit from membership in the QB3 Accelerator, a program that offers group rates on supplies and services.

After due diligence, Roche and QB3, through its venture arm Mission Bay Capital, will co - invest in candidate startups at the seed stage. Roche may also contribute support in the form of scientific expertise or resources.