CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO®) and PROPEL announced today the four finalists for the fourth annual PROPEL Business Plan Competition. Advanced Cooling Therapy, Citrics Biomedical, Shamrock Structures and Vidasym will compete for the $10,000 cash award.
In this highly selective contest, the finalists will present their business plans to investors who serve as competition judges on April 26 during the annual iBIO Industry Exposition (iBIO IndEx), at the UIC Forum in Chicago.
“This competition is not only a chance to win a cash award, but it also provides formation-stage and early-stage life sciences companies with feedback from industry professionals and visibility to our entire community,” said Barbara Goodman, senior vice president of PROPEL. “Finalists will receive feedback from investors, enabling them to refine their message and presentation for future financing and partnering discussions.”
The PROPEL Business Plan Competition was created to spotlight formation-stage and early-stage life sciences companies in Illinois and the surrounding Midwest.
The theme of this year’s iBIO IndEx, considered the premier life sciences event in the Midwest, is “Destination: INNOVATION.” Approximately 400 professionals from Illinois and the Midwest are expected to register for the one-day conference. In addition to the business plan competition, other iBIO IndEx highlights include:
- Industry leaders delivering keynote addresses, featuring Burrill & Company CEO G. Steven Burrill
- Panel presentations and workshops
- Extensive networking opportunities
For more information on the conference and registration, visit www.ibioindex.org.
About PROPEL
PROPEL is a group 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 a Center of 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.