Life sciences industry group BioNova is looking for startups to compete in its annual BioInnovation Challenge, which will be held virtually again this year and offer a $55,000 prize of funding and in-kind services.

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 November 2 and 5.

“BioNova has invested over $4 million in recent years to accelerate companies in our region — including those involved in BIC,” said BioNova Executive Director Scott Moffitt in a press release. “Past BIC participants have benefited greatly from that early support and gone on to become high-growth and successful companies, providing immense value to our regional economy.”

Funding numbers from last year bear out Moffitt’s statement. Collectively, the eight semi-finalists for 2020 have since raised over $1 million in funding. And in 2019, BioNova alumn ABK Biomedical raised a banner US$30 million funding round.

Entrepreneurs interested in entering can do so here, but must apply by Aug. 6.