Build a Biotech
2025
'Bridging innovation in the Northwest'
“Build a Biotech” is a start-up competition organised by the Northwest Biotech Initiative in collaboration with the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre.
Have you or your team got an idea that will address one of the following topical issues?
Global health and well-being
Climate change and sustainability
Win investment into you and your idea!
1st Place
£15,000 cash, Industry Standard Lab Facilities, and Accelerator Program Mentorship from Innovation District Manchester
2nd Place
£5,000 cash, Industry Standard Lab Facilities, and Accelerator Program Mentorship from Innovation District Manchester
Best Upcoming Idea
£1,000 cash
This prize is for ideas that may be in early stages and required additional time to become ready for further investment.
Eligibility
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Undergraduate, Postgraduate student, PDRA and university staff at a Northwest UK university, graduates and alumni are also welcome to apply.
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Team of 1-4 participants (containing at least 1 student).
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Be available for key dates: TBC Workshops & 29th April (Competition Day)
Please be aware that the general idea may be disclosed in the general public, you are responsible to take the steps needed to protect your IP accordingly.
Competition Timeline
28th
February
Registration Closes
Register your interest to take part and gain access to free workshops.
TBC
In March
Online Business Workshops
For all who registered*.
*It is expected that those who wish to submit an idea should attend these workshops.
31st March - 4th April
Prep Stage
Time to refine pitch and get mentored by industry experts
29th
April
Competition Day
Present your ideas to an external industry panel
Business Workshops
Workshop 1
TBC in March
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16:00 - 17:00: Introduction and Innovation - turning science into life-saving treatments or devices. What should be in your pitch? What makes a technology interesting to the 'real world'?
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17:00 - 17:15: Break
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17:15 - 18:15: Understanding markets - researching your innovation, getting evidence from stakeholders and thinking about your business model
Workshop 2
TBC in March
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16:00 - 17:00: Intellectual property - what is it and who owns it? How does it link with your business strategy?
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17:00 - 17:15: Break
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17:15 - 18:15: Finance - time and money. How long is it going to take us to do this? How much is it going to cost?
Collaborators
Sponsors
