The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the U.S.National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S.National Institutes of Health (NIH) plans to feature Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funded early-stage biomedical companies in an expanded Innovation Zone at the 2015 BIO International Convention June 15-18 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S.

The Innovation Zone companies, focused on drug discovery, diagnostics and other therapeutic platform technologies, will have dedicated exhibit space and participate in BIO One-on-One Partnering™. Certain companies will make 15-minute company presentations in the BIO Business Forum. The Innovation Zone will also feature six universities funded under the NSF Accelerating Innovation Research Program (AIR). This group will demonstrate advanced biomedical prototypes that are very close to commercialization stage, according to BIO.
 
“We are thrilled to announce our expanded partnership with the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation to bring the Innovation Zone to Philadelphia this year,” said Scott Whitaker, President of the BIO International Convention.  “Each of these companies, through their selection as SBIR grantees, have demonstrated transformational technology with large potential societal and market impact, presenting a unique opportunity for investors.”

Source: BIO