Louisiana life science startups are invited to apply to participate in the 3rd annual BioChallenge, a pitch competition that puts companies head to head for a chance to win $25,000. Hosted by the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, the applications are open through the 30th of September, 2014. Finalists will go on to pitch on November 18th in front of investors and industry experts, who will select the competition winner.
To be eligible, biosciences startups must be incorporated in or have significant operations in Louisiana.
Finalists will receive pitch coaching from the New Orleans BioInnovation Center’s Commercialization team prior to the final 10 minute pitch on November 18th.
The pitch event will immediately follow the Center’s Innovation Louisiana 2014 conference, a new nexus for regional researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Throughout the week, the BioChallenge will be accompanied by a series of intensive workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches on various issues that high-growth startups face.
BioChallenge finalists have raised more than $10 million in funding to develop critical healthcare treatments and technologies. The inaugural challenge was won by Bioceptive, a company working towards meeting the needs of women through a developing patent, taking home $5,000 and three months of free workspace at the time. In 2013, local biotechnology startup MiniVax took home the top prize package worth more than $20,000 in cash, legal services, office space and consulting services. The company is developing a treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a deadly fungal infection that affects immunocompromised patients.
More information is available at neworleansbio.com/biochallenge.