Contest will see startup companies compete to develop new ways to improve innovation in life sciences R&D

Presidents_challenge_2016_242Wilmington, DE – The Pistoia Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving global life sciences R&D has launched its 2016 President’s Startup Challenge, which will see startup companies from around the world compete for cash prizes and mentorship from senior Pistoia Alliance members.

The competition, now in its second year, will see startup companies compete on a number of themes. These include:

  • Bringing Benefit through Data to R&D for the Scientist
  • Enabling the Internet of Things for Life Science Research
  • Developing Low Cost R&D for the Developing World

Steve Arlington, Pistoia Alliance President said: “With nearly 90% of all data having been created in the past two years, we need new techniques and approaches to manage this explosion in the amount of data now available. The Pistoia Alliance sees the startup community as a crucial resource to tackle this. Startup companies are now providing much of the innovation needed in the life sciences sector, but these companies can face a huge number of challenges. Through the Startup Challenge we aim to support these companies and ensure their innovative new technologies are understood and adopted by the life sciences industry.

“Alongside the cash prize, our winners and finalists will also have access to the expertise of the Pistoia Alliance’s senior membership. This mentorship, coupled with financial support, will give the winners and finalists a significant commercial boost.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive $15,000, and up to two hours free mentoring support per week for up to six months. Alongside this, there will also be an audience vote, where the winner will receive the same as the Grand Prize winner. In addition, up to five finalists will receive a cash prize of $5,000.

The Grand Finalists and Audience Choice will be announced at the Pistoia US Conference in Boston on the 18th October 2016. The deadline for entries is September 2nd 2016.

The Pistoia Alliance established the President’s Startup Challenge in 2015 with a remit to support start up companies in improving life sciences R&D and improving innovation.

For more details about the contest, including full terms and conditions and information on how to enter, visit the competition website.

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