Statewide
Overview
Our state is home to a broad range of natural resources and scientific knowledge that, when combined, can transform communities from Manteo to Murphy.
To bring that vision to reality, we opened our first statewide office in the Piedmont Triad in 2003. Offices followed quickly in Asheville, Wilmington, Greenville and Charlotte. Today, each region is building its unique biotechnology blueprint.
Our staff, in partnership with regional leaders, has solidified those blueprints into a permanent statewide footprint – a portfolio of strengths from forestry to marine science, natural products to medical devices.
Benefits
The NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge benefits for the finalists continuing to the statewide challenge from each of the 5 NC Biotechnology Center regions (Eastern, Greater Charlotte, Piedmont Triad, Southeastern, Western) include the following, in addition to benefits received during each regional assistance and pitch award period:
- A 1-month period of intense mentoring assistance and networking opportunities.
- Public and private events to enhance our connected networks of entrepreneurs, investors, and others in the region and beyond, especially as they relate to biotech innovation and commercialization.
- Targeted assistance from the NC Biotechnology Center Life Science Intelligence team--e.g., industry and market research.
- A statewide pitch challenge at the end of the statewide assistance process, which will yield additional significant monetary awards, in addition to the invaluable mentoring and networking each venture will experience during the assistance phase.
- Monetary Awards of $100,000 for statewide winners, in addition to the $200,000 for regional finalists, for an NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge total of $300,000 in non-dilutive funding.
- Promotion in the regions, state, and beyond of our impressive community of biotech innovators, entrepreneurs, and ventures.
Mentoring, Networking, and Awards Events
The winner from each of the five regional challenges will continue to the statewide challenge for additional mentoring assistance, NC Biotechnology Center Life Science Intelligence team support, promotion, public appearance, and monetary awards.
Statewide Assistance Period: June 2024
- June 2024 Mentor Team Meetings and Training Sessions
- June 27, 2024 Statewide Judging Phase (private meeting with pitches to judges)
- June 27, 2024 Statewide Finals Venture Pitch Showcase and Winner Reveal at Triad BioNight in Greensboro, NC
Challenge Finals
After three months of mentoring, networking, and enhancing the venture with technical assistance, pitch coaching, and funding, the five NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge finalists will meet in Greensboro, NC at Triad BioNight to showcase their ventures and to learn which venture will be the NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge Statewide Award Recipient.
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
2024 Regional Finalists
The following NC BIOTECH Venture Challenge regional finalists will pitch their companies during the statewide challenge from each of the 5 NC Biotechnology Center regions:
Eastern
Greater Charlotte
Southeastern
Piedmont Triad
Western
Statewide Judges
- To Be Announced Soon