Nova Scotia life sciences industry group BioNova has chosen eight semi-finalists for its annual BioInnovation Challenge to be held virtually this year, with $55,000 of funding and in-kind services up for grabs.
Now in its eleventh year, the pitching competition will be held during BioPort Atlantic -- the annual conference for life sciences and biotech in Atlantic Canada -- between Nov. 2 and 5. The semi-finalists will pitch on Nov. 3.
The eight semi-finalists from 2020 have since raised over $1 million in funding. And in 2019, former BIC winner ABK Biomedical raised a banner US$30 million funding round.
Since its inception in 2011, the competition has distributed $465,000 worth of prizes. And in addition to their potential winnings, the semi-finalists receive business training, including one-on-one pitch classes with Boston, Mass.-based startup coach Linda Plano.
Here’s a look at this year’s competitors:
Au Naturel Solutions, PEI
Simone Cormier
Au Naturel is building a breast prosthesis made from natural and environmentally friendly materials. Unlike conventional prosthetics, it will not require a specialized bra.
Axtion Independence Mobility, NS
Tracey McGillivray and Liam Maaskant
Axtion is developing a mobility aid that resembles a conventional walker, but with an elevating seat that deploys to prevent falls and help users recover if they lose their balance.
Bactana Canada, PEI
John Kallassy
Bactana is developing a technology platform that will use DNA sequencing technology to improve the productivity of farm animals. The process includes a feed additive for poultry and possibly swine. The company is based in Connecticut, with a Canadian subsidiary.
MycoFutures North Atlantic, NL
Stephanie Lipp
MycoFutures is developing a faux-leather product made from mycelium -- the root systems of fungi.
Picketa Systems, NB
Dominic Levesque
Picketa Systems has developed software to monitor soil status on farms, to help farmers more efficiently fertilize their crops.
Pivotal Health Sciences, NB
Craig Jackson
Pivotal Health is developing technology to more efficiently convert feedstock into “high-value nano encapsulated bioactives.”
Remidose Aerosols, PEI
Michael Mayne
Remidose manufactures equipment to deliver measured doses of cannabis oil. So far, the company offers an inhaler, an oral spray and a topical aerosol device.
Erin MacKean and Jennifer McFarland
Takaya has designed an N95 face mask with specialized seals designed to offer healthcare workers better protection against airborn pathogens than conventional N95 masks.
