This is your last chance to apply for this year’s Crab Trap Competition, taking place on September 18th, 2024, during BioHealth Capital Region Week at USP in Rockville, Maryland. This event is an incredible opportunity for startups in the biohealth sector to pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed industry leaders.
Pitch Your Innovation: Finalists will present their business models and technologies during day 2 of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, gaining invaluable exposure and direct feedback from industry professionals. This platform is perfect for engaging with potential investors and accelerating your company’s visibility.
Prizes:
- Cash Awards: Winners will receive $10,000 from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR) and additional funding from the Montgomery County Government.
- CRO Services: A selected company will also benefit from $10,000 in CRO services from Noble Life Sciences and Accelevir, which can help advance product development.
Additional Opportunities: The winning team will be featured on the BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, further increasing their visibility within the biohealth community.
About the Sponsors:
- Noble Life Sciences: A full-service preclinical CRO, offering comprehensive preclinical drug development services to help biotech startups navigate the regulatory landscape and accelerate their programs.
- Accelevir: Ultra-sensitive Detection of Ultra-Rare Targets in Infectious Diseases, Immuno-Oncology, and Beyond. They develop innovative assays that enable novel therapeutic discoveries, advancing human health and well-being.
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR): A leader in legal advisory, WSGR provides comprehensive legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide. Renowned for their expertise in intellectual property, corporate governance, and financing, they support firms from inception through all phases of growth.
- Montgomery County Government: Committed to fostering a vibrant economic environment, the Montgomery County Government actively supports innovation and growth in the biohealth sector. Through grants, incentives, and resources, it empowers startups and businesses to thrive within one of the nation’s most dynamic life science corridors.
Event Judges:
- Rich Bendis (Moderator) - President & CEO, BioHealth Innovation, Inc.
- Charles Andres - Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- Conley Jones - Vice President, Life Science, ARE Equities, Inc./Alexandria Venture Investments
- Albine Martin - Co-Founder & Managing Director, Accelevir & BHI EIR
- John Newby - Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association
- Derrick Rowe - Of Counsel, Wilson Sonsini
- Brett Shealy - Vice President, Life Sciences, J.P. Morgan
- Matt Tremblay - Chief Executive Officer, Blackbird Laboratories
How Finalists are Evaluated: The competition focuses on:
- Technical Feasibility & Intellectual Property: Evaluating the scientific validity and protectability of the innovation.
- Commercialization & Marketing Strategy: Assessing the plan for market entry and potential for growth.
- Leadership Team & Collaborations: Looking at the company’s capabilities and their strategic relationships.
- Funding to Date & Financial Projections: Analyzing financial stability and future plans.
The deadline for applications is August 30th. This is a fundamental time for startups aiming to make a mark in the biohealth industry. Prepare a clear and impactful presentation to share with the panel and audience.
Click here to visit our application page to apply or for more details about the competition.
Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your startup to key figures in the biohealth industry. Apply now and step into the spotlight this September!