One of our flagship events, the hugely popular BioEscalator Pitch Battle gives our tenants the chance to hone their investor pitches by presenting and receiving feedback from a panel of expert biotech investor/executive judges. This year's panel comprised angel investor and scientist Tom Brown (Jr), Kevin Maskell, CEO and co-founder of Bioarchitech, Joanna Smart of BGF and Rebecca Todd of Longwall Ventures.
Chaired by BioEscalator Business Manager, Claire Shingler, and watched by an audience of fellow tenants, hand-selected investors, and members of the BioEscalator Management Board, seven companies gave their all, giving focused presentations on their ambitions and achievements.
The presenting companies were:
- Alethiomics - new treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasms
- Infinitopes - precision cancer vaccines
- U-Ploid - redefining fertility possibilities by improving egg quality
- SiGenex - revolutionising genetic testing
- Orfonyx Bio - genetic medicines for protein upregulation
- OSPT - bioactive textiles integrating bacteriophages for the prevention of bacterial infection
- Granza Bio - therapeutic delivery with precision shells
After all that strategy and science, it was time for the judges to deliberate. As in all high-quality competitions, the panel had a tough time allocating the prizes.
Here's what they decided after much deliberation:
- Most Impactful Visuals - Ashwin Menon Nandakumar, Granza Bio
- Best Scientific Explanation - Graham McClorey, Orfonyx Bio
- Most Likely Future Unicorn – Infinitopes (Jonathan Kwok)
- Best Speaker - Ashwin Menon Nandakumar, Granza Bio
The big prize, that of Best Pitch, accompanied by a £2000 prize generously provided by Oxford North, went to Jordan Abdi, U-Ploid Biotechnologies.
As the photos show, the prize winners were delighted to be recognised, especially Ashwin with his two victories!
After prize giving, it was time for well-earned refreshments and networking. The judges really enjoyed themselves and appreciated their gift of BioEscalator merchandise, the speakers relished the occasion and the practice, and the audience was delighted to hear the latest from some of Oxford's most innovative biomedical companies.
Congratulations to Jordan, the other prize winners and everyone who pitched. Thanks to Oxford North for its generous support once again, and to the judges for their time and insights.
