CellSpring was selected as a semifinalist of Oxbridge Onestart, a global accelerator programme focused on Healthcare. CellSpring placed in the top 10% of the more than 750 companies that applied to the program.
OneStart is the “world’s largest accelerator for startups seeking to dramatically improve human health”. This year the number of startups applying rose to 750 from over 50 countries, split equally between the 4 main technology sectors: therapeutics, diagnostics, devices and digital health / health IT.
Due to the increase not only in the number but the quality of the 2016 applications it was chosen to expand the semi-finalist cohort to 80 teams (up from 70 in prior years), with 40 each from the European and Americas streams.
In early January 2016 each team will be matched with 2-3 industry executives who will work with them over the next several months. These industry experts are sourced from the established OneStart partner network and other accomplished firms or institutions that lead the life sciences industry. They include C-suite executives in biotech, pharma, and VC partners.
Mentors provide highly valued 1-on-1 advice and guidance that will allow each of the semi-finalists to further develop and improve their business plans. Emphasis will also be placed upon the art of the pitch. An integral skill required for any young innovator when seeking financial backing.
Moreover, the selected teams are invited to an exclusive and impactful Business Bootcamp, a 2-day mini MBA that brings together all semi-finalist teams and mentors. Seminars range from navigating the funding landscape to assessing value and intellectual property. CellSpring will participate in the Onestart Bootcamp in London in February.
The 20 finalists will be selected in mid April. The winner of the European and Americas will be announced at the respective Finals Galas to be held in London on 12th and Boston on 26th May. Each winning team will be awarded a grand prize of £100/$150k, free lab space and continued support and guidance.
About CellSpring
CellSpring AG is a biotech company dedicated to becoming the global leader in 3-dimensional cell culture. The company’s 3D Bloom Biopolymer Platform will equip scientists with a more reliable, versatile 3D system to improve preclinical research. CellSpring is based in Zürich, Switzerland, and spun out of the ETH Zürich.
In addition to the selection by Oxbridge Onestart, CellSpring recently won the final of the Heuberger Winterthur Young Entrepreneur’s Prize (CHF 150k), was awarded a significant grant from the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), and has hired two additional scientists.
(SK)
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