The BioEscalator Pitch Battle is an annual event designed to provide our resident companies with a platform to practice their investor pitches and receive feedback from a distinguished panel of industry experts.
This year, we invited selected members of the investment community to be part of our audience, offering them an exclusive preview of the innovative healthcare solutions emerging from the BioEscalator. This decision also created a valuable networking opportunity for the participating companies.
The judges
This year's panel of esteemed industry experts included:
- Kay Davies: Dr Lee's Professor of Anatomy Emeritus, Thomas White Oxford (Oxford North)
- Gillian Tannahill: Senior Director, Scientific Innovation Immunology, Johnson & Johnson Innovation
- Danuta Jeziorska: Biotech CEO, Serial Entrepreneur
- Emma Palmer Foster: Director, Discovery Park Ventures, Life Sciences Consultant
In addition to selecting the winners in each category, the judges provided constructive feedback, offering valuable insights to refine the pitches. Their expertise and perspectives will be crucial in enhancing the participants' presentations and preparing them for future investor interactions.
It was a pleasure to be part of the BioEscalator Pitch Battle 2024 judging panel. It was fun to meet the other judges and hear about the new companies. Exciting times.
Professor Dame Kay Davies, Dr Lee's Professor of Anatomy Emeritus, Thomas White Oxford (Oxford North)
Award Winners
Each participating company delivered a 5-minute non-confidential pitch, addressing essential elements such as unmet medical needs, proposed solutions, market analysis, timelines, team composition, and investment requirements.
- Best Speaker: Stephanie Lesage, Co-founder and CEO of OSPT, for exceptional public speaking skills, clear communication, and engaging pitch delivery.
- Best Scientific Explanation: Adam Cribbs, Co-Founder and CTO of Caeruleus Genomics, for his clarity, accuracy, and ability to make complex concepts understandable.
- Most Mentions of BioEscalator: Claudia Fraser, Research Scientist at Exogene and Ron Wolchinsky, Associate Director, R&D at Alethiomics, for most effectively integrating mentions of the BioEscalator into their pitches.
- Most Impactful Visuals and Small but Mighty: Bohao Yao, Director—Data Science of SiGenex, for clear, engaging, visually appealing slides and for effectively communicating the company's focus and project plan despite its smaller size.
- Most Likely Future Unicorn: Thomas Roberts, Founder of Orfonyx Bio, for demonstrating the greatest potential to become a highly successful start-up, or "unicorn."
- Best Pitch: Andreas Halner, President of Oxford Cancer Analytics, secured the Best Pitch award and the £2000 prize money for presenting the most innovative and viable business idea, showcasing exceptional presentation skills, and effectively communicating the potential impact and market opportunity of their concept.
Thank you, BioEscalator, for another great pitch event! I'm delighted to have won the best speaker award, and big congratulations to my fellow BioEscalator colleagues. A special mention to Andreas Halner, who received a very well-deserved "best pitch" overall winner award!
- Stephanie Lesage, Co-founder and CEO, OSPT- Stephanie Lesage, Co-founder and CEO, OSPT
Acknowledging Excellence
The BioEscalator team commends all the presenters who participated in the event. The judges had a tough time selecting the winners, a testament to the high quality and innovation on display. We also thank Oxford North for sponsoring the BioEscalator Pitch Battle 2024 prize money.
The BioEscalator Pitch Battle 2024 was not just a competition but a celebration of innovation and collaboration. It highlighted the remarkable talent and groundbreaking ideas within the BioEscalator community. We eagerly anticipate seeing these innovative solutions progress and significantly impact healthcare.
What a brilliant event with so many impressive people and pitches. We were proud to sponsor the BioEscalator's Annual Pitch Battle, supporting future discovery and talent right here in Oxford. Thank you for having us.
Oxford North