The North Carolina Biotechnology Center launched this life-sciences-based, innovation-focused venture challenge to raise the profile, increase the volume, and enhance the successes of life science commercialization, innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies in every region across North Carolina.
Statewide Challenge: The winner from each of the 5 regional challenges will continue to the statewide challenge for additional mentoring assistance, NC Biotechnology Center Life Science Intelligence team support, promotion, public appearances, and monetary awards.
Regional Assistance Period: Mar–May 2024
The winner from each of the five regional challenges will continue to the state-level challenge for additional mentoring assistance, NC Biotechnology Center Life Science Intelligence team support, promotion, public appearance, and monetary awards.
Statewide Assistance Period: June 2024
From the 2022 NC BIONEER State Winner:
“The exposure Plakous received through this Venture Challenge has continued to pay dividends for our company in numerous ways. The network we developed through the mentoring program as well as the insights gained in the positioning of the company and stress testing of our business plan remain on-going assets. I regularly reach out to individuals I worked with over the months of preparation for the program to act as a sounding board as we continue to advance the company through the regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical processes. Our relationships within the NCBiotech Center have also expanded through program awareness and financial support.”
– Robert Boyce, Chief Executive Officer, Plakous Therapeutics Inc. Winston-Salem
From the 2020 NC BIONEER Top Award Recipient:
"NC Bioneer is a unique opportunity for early biotech entrepreneurs to refine their pitch presentation, and pressure test the assumptions of the business model. The venture challenge provided access to Life Science Intelligence Team at NCBiotech which offered the latest market research reports to help define our total addressable market, trends, and competition. The strongest benefit for Isosceles was the mentorship program and networking resources including pharmaceutical specialists that were later critical to the company’s success in the challenge and beyond. I encourage all serious biotech entrepreneurs to apply for the 2022 Bioneer Venture Challenge, take full advantage of the top-notch resources it provides, and use the opportunity to become a part of the vibrant NC biotechnology community."
– Brett Lanier, President, Isosceles Pharmaceuticals Wilmington, NC
An expert panel of reviewers will select finalists to participate in the mentoring assistance process, which begins March 2024 and the pitch competition in May 2024.
For questions or issues, please contact your NC Biotech Center Regional Office.