GRAND RAPIDS ? Rapid BioSense of Dexter has won the $15,000 MichBio 2006 Life Sciences Launchpad Competition held last week during the MichBio Expo in Grand Rapids.
Rapid BioSense designs and markets a highly sensitive, specific, affordable and rapid biosensor able to detect bacteria and viruses. Uses for the sensor include microbiology tests in veterinary, industrial and human clinical applications.
?The Launchpad Competition showcased outstanding innovative life science ideas being generated right here in Michigan? said Joe Davio, Regional Bank President of Comerica, the lead sponsor of the program. “The competition was very close and we?re thrilled that Rapid BioSense won from such a high quality group of companies.”
Judges included Michigan-based venture capitalists, angel investors, banking representatives and investment experts.
?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 MichBio Expo attracted more than 475 life science professionals to the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids for the program and an about 200 high school and college students for programs aimed at helping them with college and career making decisions.
Sponsors included Pfizer Global Research and Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Van Andel Institute, Asterand, Esperion, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
