NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans BioInnovation Center has announced the relaunch of the annual BioChallenge pitch competition, scheduled for Oct. 31 at the center’s Canal Street headquarters. The competition invites entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and technologies, positioning them for success in bringing to market the next generation of health security solutions. The challenge is poised to ignite biotech innovation and enhance equitable and accessible preparedness and response in New Orleans and beyond.
As a member of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Accelerator Network since 2018, NOBIC is excited to focus this year’s challenge around the mission to develop medical countermeasures that address the public health and medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, incidents and attacks, pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases.
“We are thrilled to launch the 2024 BioChallenge, a NOBIC signature event that has produced many local and national success stories. This year, we are especially excited to see the innovative solutions focusing on access and equity that our finalists will bring to the forefront,” said Kris Khalil, executive director, New Orleans BioInnovation Center, and managing director, BioFund.
“The BioChallenge is not just a competition; it’s a platform for breakthrough ideas that have the potential to revolutionize our nation’s health security posture. We’re looking forward to showcasing the talent and ingenuity of our community,” said Patrick Norton, NOBIC board chair
The BioChallenge pitch competition will be held at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center in downtown New Orleans Oct. 31, 2024, following BIO on the BAYOU, an academic biotechnology research symposium.
Past winners of the BioChallenge include local biotech trailblazers such as Axosim, Junum, Obatala Sciences and BioAesthetics. This year’s winners’ total prize pool, supported by multiple stakeholders, is over $100,000 and growing.
Sign up to learn more at www.neworleansbio.com/biochallenge.
