Semi-Finalists Compete for $10,000
Prize
ATLANTA, GA (June 5, 2013) - Southeast
BIO has narrowed the field from 34 applicants to 10 semi-finalists in its
seventh annual BIO/Plan Competition. Over half of the semi-finalist projects
are in the medical device and diagnostic space and the remaining are
pharma/biotech and bioengineering opportunities. The technologies emerged from
some of the region's finest research institutions, including Emory University,
Florida International University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University
of Florida, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University.
The
semi-finalist projects are:
- Neuromorphic Controlled Orthotic and Prosthetic System (FL)
- Tongue Tracking System for Speech Therapy (GA)
- Telemedical Platform for Retinal Disease Screening (FL)
- Force Modulating Tissue Bridge for Wound Healing and Scar Reduction (GA)
- Design Platform to Produce Engineered Microorganisms (VA)
- Therapeutics Targeted to Oocyte-Associated Cancer Cell Surface Antigens (VA)
- Nox2 and ROS Inhibitors for Inflammatory Lung Diseases (GA)
- Diagnostic for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (NC)
- Thermally Responsive System for Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery (MS)
- Diagnostic for Tick Borne Diseases (VA)
“Once again
the pool of BIO/Plan applicants was very strong and the technologies show much
promise for the contribution to the future of the life sciences industry,” says
Dan O’Korn of Hutchison PLLC and BIO/Plan 2013 Co-Chair. “While difficult to
narrow, ten applicants stood out from the rest for their well-developed and
thought out applications and strong potential. We look forward to pairing them
with experienced mentors from throughout the Southeast region so they may
further develop their concepts and lead the way to better healthcare for our
region and beyond.”
What’s next for the competitors?
- Each
semi-finalist is now paired with a team of experienced professionals to begin
the
mentorship phase of the Competition. - Mentoring teams include professionals from active venture funds or angel groups, biotech entrepreneurs and managers, and service providers with relevant start-up expertise.
- The teams interact directly with the semi-finalists over a 3-month period to focus on the strategic development of the business concept and commercial opportunity.
- Additional resources including development plan templates and guidelines, regulators consultants, and presentation guidelines and examples help support the teams.
- This rigorous mentorship process is the cornerstone of the Competition and the semi-finalists walk away with an executable development strategy and associated written plan.
Following the mentoring process, the semi-finalists submit their written development plans for judging and four finalists are selected to present at the 15th Anniversary SEBIO Investor & Partnering Forum, November 5-7, 2013, in Richmond, VA. The winner will be announced at the Closing Luncheon on November 7 and awarded a $10,000 prize to use towards achievement of a significant business development milestone.
About the BIO/Plan Competition
The BIO/Plan Competition is designed to foster the creation of new venture-attractive life sciences and medical technology companies and the development of exceptional corporate partnering opportunities in the Southeast U.S. Working closely with technology transfer and commercialization offices across the region, the competition seeks and helps cultivate opportunities from Southeastern research universities, research centers and existing entrepreneurs. The applicant pool included applications from eight states - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. More information about the BIO/Plan semi-finalists, the SEBIO Investor & Partnering Forum, and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the SEBIO website.
Contact:Jennifer H. Sherer
Executive Director
404-606-6246
jennifer@sebio.org
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