Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Life Science Tennessee (LifeSciTN) has announced that its inaugural, first-of-a-kind, statewide “Venture Forum Business Competition and Showcase” will be held during the organization’s annual meeting set for November 14, 15 and 16 in Nashville.

The two-track event is open to any company in the life sciences sector, but the first “make or break” deadline is rapidly approaching. Companies interested in participating in either the “Business Competition” or the “Company Showcase” have until August 1 to apply.

Eligible companies include those in biotechnology – genomics, proteomics and drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, agricultural biotechnology, biofuels, medical devices, bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, diagnostics and nutraceuticals.

Whether participating in the “Business Competition” or “Company Showcase” track, all candidates must be privately held companies and must exhibit a business model suitable for venture capital return on investment.

Successful applicants in the “Business Competition” track will present to regional and national investors in front of the LifeSciTN annual meeting audience for a chance to win a cash prize. Those chosen for the “Company Showcase” track will also present at the meeting, but will not be eligible for a cash prize.

Specific details about the “Business Competition,” also available at http://www.lifesciencetn.org/annualmeeting2012/business_competition, are as follows:

Requirements: At the time of application, participants must disclose all forms of prior funding including grants and prizes. The “Business Competition” presentations must include prior funding details and financial performance projections.

Competition Details (subject to change):

• Interested companies should complete an application which includes a two-page executive summary outlining the concept and the opportunity in broad terms and submit by July 15.
• The selection committee will choose the best ideas from both the early and growth/later-stage categories.
• The companies will then be paired with a mentor(s). The goal of the mentoring process will be to further develop the concept and prepare for the Annual Meeting and Venture Forum presentations.
• Following a mentoring period of three months, a finished development plan will be submitted by the principals to the Life Science Tennessee panel.
• All finalists that have participated in the mentoring process will be awarded a session with an advisory panel for an open and interactive dialogue. The panel will consist of industry venture capitalists, life sciences entrepreneurs and service providers and will take place during an open session of the LifeSciTN annual meeting and Venture Forum.
• Companies will have time on November 14 to meet with their mentors and practice in the presentation space.
• The LifeSciTN panel will choose an early-stage winner to be announced at a closing awards ceremony on November 16.

Specific details about the “Company Showcase,” also available at http://www.lifesciencetn.org/annualmeeting2012/business_showcase, are as follows:

• Interested companies should complete an application which includes a two-page executive summary outlining the concept and the opportunity in broad terms. Applications are due August 1, 2012.
• A LifeSciTN committee will choose several applicants to present in the Showcase.
• Presentation length and format details will be provided at a later date.
• Presentations will be made during an open session at the Annual Meeting and Venture Forum, November 14-16.

More information about the LifeSciTN “Venture Forum” and the application process can be found at http://www.lifesciencetn.org/annualmeeting2012/.

---