CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO®) and PROPEL remind formation-stage and early-stage life sciences companies in Illinois and the surrounding Midwest that only seven days remain to apply for the third annual PROPEL Business Plan Competition. In this highly selective contest, entrepreneurs will compete for a $10,000 cash award.
The application deadline is January 18, 2011 at 5 p.m. For more information and to download the application, click here to visit the PROPEL Business Plan Competition web page.
Finalists will present their business plans to investors who serve as competition judges on February 16 during the annual iBIO Industry Exposition (iBIO IndEx), February 15 & 16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago.
“This competition is not only a chance to win a significant cash award, but it also provides formation-stage and early-stage companies with the opportunity to have their business plans reviewed by industry professionals,” said Barbara Goodman, senior vice president of PROPEL. “Judges will evaluate the written plans and, for the finalists, oral presentations. Finalists will receive expert feedback, enabling them to refine their message and presentation for future financing and partnering discussions.”
The theme of this year’s iBIO IndEx, considered the premier life sciences event in the Midwest, is “Achieving Sustainability.” Approximately 500 professionals from Illinois and the Midwest are expected to register for the two-day conference. In addition to the business plan competition, other iBIO IndEx highlights include:
- Business Partnering Program powered by the TVG Partnering Network
- Industry leaders delivering keynote addresses
- Panel presentations and workshops
- Extensive networking opportunities
For more information on the conference, sponsorship packages and registration, visit www.ibio.org/ibioindex.
About PROPEL
PROPEL is a series of programs aimed at increasing the number and success rate of life sciences start-up companies in Illinois. PROPEL helps guide the development of formation-stage and early-stage life sciences companies by providing entrepreneurs with access to specialized resources and expertise. PROPEL is supported by the iBIO Institute. To learn more about PROPEL and its programs, visit www.ibiopropel.org.
About iBIO
The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) champions biotechnology in Illinois and the surrounding Midwest region. Headquartered in Chicago, iBIO’s mission is to strengthen the leadership position of Illinois and the Midwest as a globally recognized center of medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology. With leaders from business, academia and government, iBIO promotes the development and retention of new companies as well as corporate expansions. iBIO advocates for sensible public policy at the local, state and federal levels. To learn more about iBIO and its programs, visit www.ibio.org.
iBIO’s Leadership Sponsors are Abbott, Astellas Pharma US, Baxter International Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America.