The semi-finalists have been chosen for the 2013 edition of The BioInnovation Challenge (BIC).
Marli MacNeil, CEO of BioNova, the host of BIC, announced today that a selection committee chose 12 of the 18 applicants to move to the semi-finals, which will be held in Halifax on October 9.
This year will mark the first time New Brunswick companies will be taking part in the competition. BioNova is partnering with BioAtlantech, its sister organization in New Brunswick, to allow up and coming life sciences companies from NB to compete in the challenge.
“We’re very excited about this year’s BioInnovation Challenge,” said MacNeil. “We received a record number of applications, which shows just how much life sciences innovation is happening in the region, and we’re working with our colleagues at BioAtlantech. I think this year’s BIC will be outstanding.”
The semi-finalists are:
· Alentic Microscience Inc, Halifax, NS
· BIKE Scientific Inc, Digby, NS
· BioCycive, Halifax, NS
· Biomolecules for life Inc., Moncton, NB
· Biopolynet Inc., Fredericton, NB
· Dartmouth Medical Research Ltd., Halifax, NS
· Daxonics Ultrasound Inc., Halifax, NS
· Fenol Farms Inc., Wolfville, NS
· Hyton Innovations, Fredericton, NB
· Ledgehill Addiction Treatment, Lawrencetown, NS
· Mycodev Group Inc., Island View, NB
· Spring Loaded Technology Inc., Halifax, NS
The winner of the BioInnovation Challenge will receive a $15,000 seed investment and a package of support services and mentoring valued at more than $20,000. The 2013 BIC is presented by BioNova, BioAtlantech, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Capital Health and Dalhousie University Industry Liaison and Innovation and supported by Cox & Palmer, Marsh Canada, PwC and Solutions Inc.
BIC will take place over two days in October. The 12 semi-finalists will present to a panel of judges on October 9 at the Life Sciences Research Institute in Halifax, NS. The top three presenters will then pitch to the judges and the conference audience at BioPort Atlantic, BioNova’s annual conference, the following morning. The winner will be announced at the close of BioPort on the afternoon of October 10.
BioPort Atlantic will take place at the Westin Nova Scotian on October 9 and 10. Built around the theme “BOLD IDEAS for BIG OPPORTUNITIES”, BioPort will celebrate the successes of Atlantic Canada’s established and emerging life sciences companies and researchers. Life sciences industry veteran Robert Orr will be this year’s Honourary Chairperson.