Getting Involved
The competition is run over three days (Wednesday - Friday). In the morning of the first two days participants, in teams of four to five members, attend presentations from leading figures in the biotechnology industry on all aspects of technology transfer and the commercialisation of bioscience ideas.
Topics covered include:
- The Requirements of a Business Plan
- Intellectual Property and Patenting Strategy
- Raising and Managing Finance
- Commercial and Marketing Strategies
- Case Histories
This knowledge is then utilised by participants to prepare an oral business plan presentation for an "imaginary" biotech start-up company. The plan is prepared by the team, in the afternoons of the first two days, with each member assuming a different role within the company (e.g. Managing, Finance, Research and Development, Marketing or Operations Director).
On the final day the participants make a formal oral presentation of their business plan before a panel comprised of business, financial and academic representatives taking the role of venture capitalists. Two teams from each workshop are selected to progress through to the Final.
Winners of the competition receive £1000, with other prizes also available.