The BioHealth Capital Region is proud to announce the finalists for this year’s Crab Trap Competition, selected from a highly competitive pool of a record number of over 60 applications from within the Region and beyond. These finalists represent a diverse and innovative group of biohealth companies, each bringing forward unique solutions with the potential to significantly impact the industry. The competition will take place on September 18th at 1:45 pm at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, as part of the BioHealth Capital Region Week.
The Crab Trap competition is designed to identify and foster the most innovative startups within the biohealth sector. It serves as a platform for emerging companies to gain exposure and interact with a network of industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. This year’s finalists were chosen based on their technological innovation, potential market impact, and the strength of their business model. The competition not only highlights cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and biotechnology but also provides a critical opportunity for startups to accelerate their journey from concept to market. As these companies prepare to present their solutions, the anticipation builds for how these innovations could reshape the future of medicine and healthcare.
Meet the Finalists:
Cerillo (Charlottesville, VA): Led by CEO Eric Mayton, Cerillo is revolutionizing microbial research with their advanced, portable platform that enhances data collection from discovery through high-throughput screening. Their technology focuses on improving scientific outcomes through better data standardization and analysis, making research more accessible and affordable. https://cerillo.bio/
Immobazyme (Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa): This biotech innovator, represented by COO Ethan Hunter, specializes in precision fermentation to develop treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, aiming to reduce amputation rates significantly. Immobazyme’s participation is especially notable as they were winners of the Bio Centrifuge Africa competition, earning them a spot at this year’s Crab Trap. https://www.immobazyme.com/
Linshom Medical (Baltimore, MD): Software Engineer Talia Feldman will present Linshom Medical’s groundbreaking respiratory monitoring device. This wearable, FDA-cleared technology offers real-time respiratory profiles that can predict and alert healthcare providers of respiratory decline well before a crisis. https://linshomforlife.com/
Liquet Medical (Glen Allen, VA): CEO John Schindler will showcase the Versus™ Catheter, a device poised to transform the treatment of pulmonary embolisms with targeted drug delivery and real-time monitoring, promising to enhance patient care while reducing costs. https://www.liquetmedical.com
Optosurgical (Columbia, MD): CEO and R&D Administrator Yoseph Kim will introduce BL-760, a near-infrared fluorescent dye that improves surgical accuracy and safety, offering significant benefits during hepatobiliary procedures and potentially saving the healthcare system billions. https://www.optosurgical.com/
Plakous Therapeutics (Winston-Salem, NC): CEO Robert Boyce will discuss their groundbreaking biotherapeutic platform aimed at preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis and treating Osteoarthritis, backed by compelling preclinical data and significant NIH funding. https://www.plakoustherapeutics.com/
Join Us: While applications for competitors are closed, we invite all interested parties to attend the Forum and witness these companies as they present their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed judges. The event promises not only to highlight emerging industry technologies but also to provide invaluable networking opportunities. Register at https://reg.eventmobi.com/bhcr2024.
We extend our gratitude to all the companies that applied, our sponsors, and the judges whose support makes these events possible.
Stay tuned as we approach the competition date and prepare to celebrate the incredible talent and innovation within the BioHealth Capital Region.