ANN ARBOR – MichBio, the state’s life sciences industry association, said it will add a competition for seed stage life sciences companies in Michigan ? with a top prize valued at more than $15,000 ? to the MichBio Expo in Grand Rapids this October.
The Life Sciences Launchpad is open any Michigan-based life sciences company, that is a member of MichBio and a paid attendee of the 2006 MichBio Expo.
?By encouraging the presentation of their R&D activities and opportunities that will lead to successful commercialization? said Stephen Rapundalo, executive director of MichBio. ?We hope to raise awareness of the many future prospects for growth in life sciences.?
The competition applications are due October 2. A panel of judges will narrow he full applicant pool and invite six semi-finalists to make a five-minute presentation at the Expo on October 12. Judges include Michigan-based venture capitalists, angel investors, banking representatives and investment experts. The prize will be awarded prior to the afternoon?s keynote address.
Eligibility requirements, applications and additional information can be found at
