The Pitch Perfect startup contest at INVEST Precision Medicine conference cast a spotlight on 11 companies, each seeking to address some aspect of the challenges associated with precision medicine. Here’s a rundown of the winners for each track.
Health IT
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Judges:
Siddarth Sridhar is a corporate development associate with Centene’s global M&A group.
Aron Starosta is VP of Commercialization and New Ventures, University City Science Center.
The technologies represented by the companies in the Health IT track spanned automated clinical stroke detection to making medical research more inclusive and accessible. Ultimately, one company prevailed:
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Parallel Profile was both the audience favorite and the judges’ choice. The company, led by CEO Cathy Cather and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is on a mission to save lives and billions in wasted healthcare spending by preventing adverse drug reactions.
Life Sciences
Judges:
Wayne Barz is Chief Investment Officer, Ben Franklin Technology Partners – Northeast PA.
Rena Rosenberg is a Partner with Robin Hood Ventures.
The group of six companies that presented in the life sciences track spanned immunotherapy, diagnostics and clinical trial innovation.
The audience favorite was SOLUtion led by CEO Julia Anthony and based in Philadelphia. The early stage company is developing more patient friendly drug delivery systems for reconstitutable drugs. The company is part of JPOD at the University of Pennsylvania, a technology incubator through J&J Innovation.
The judges’ pick was TrialSpark, represented at the event by Client Growth Director Joe Zaccaria. The company seeks to use technology to accelerate the pace of clinical trials and bridge the gap between medical research and patients who need treatment.
Thanks to all the companies who took part!
Applications are open for our next pitch competition at our INVEST conference, scheduled for April 19-23. Click here to read the criteria and to apply. The deadline for applications is 5PM ET, Jan. 15.
Picture: Peshkova, Getty Images
