WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) today announced an agreement to feature Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funded early-stage biotech companies in a newly-created Innovation Zone at the 2014 BIO International Convention®. The Innovation Zone companies, focused on drug discovery, diagnostics and other platform technologies, will have dedicated exhibit space and participate in BIO’s One-on-One Partnering™ system. Select companies will make presentations in the BIO Business Forum, the Convention’s business development platform.
“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation to create the Innovation Zone, an exciting new feature for the 2014 BIO International Convention,” said Scott Whitaker, President of the BIO International Convention. “Through the SBIR grant program, these companies have demonstrated significant market potential and transformational technology with substantial societal impact, presenting an incredible investment opportunity for early-stage investors. I hope everyone at the San Diego Convention takes the time to stop by and learn about these exciting companies. ”
“The BIO International Convention is an excellent opportunity for these companies to showcase their cutting-edge technologies, form long-term partnerships and begin to raise funds in the private sector,” said Jesus Soriano, MD, PhD, MBA, a program director for NSF's SBIR/STTR program. “These connections will be invaluable as the small businesses build on their early successes and move forward to bring innovative technologies to market, where they will ultimately help to improve healthcare, create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
“The Innovation Zone at the BIO International Convention offers an inside look at some of America’s most promising biotech start-ups,” said Lenka Fedorkova, PhD, program manager for NIH SBIR/STTR programs. “Many of today’s largest biotechnology companies, including Amgen, Genzyme and Biogen Idec, received SBIR grants when they were young companies. We are excited to partner with BIO to showcase the next generation of SBIR grantees at the BIO International Convention.”
Each of the companies has been rigorously vetted through the SBIR review process prior to receiving the funding. The majority of participating companies in the Innovation Zone have received SBIR Phase II grants, which provide up to $1 million dollars in funding to engage in R&D that has the potential for commercialization.
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About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIOtechNOW is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter.” Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO
Asia International Conference
April 8-9, 2014
Tokyo, Japan
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PA
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