Student Teams Pitch Wistar Discoveries at 5th Annual Life Sciences Innovation Competition
Six student teams from four schools pitched business ideas based on Wistar discoveries during the 5th annual Life Sciences Innovation (LSI) competition, modeled on the popular TV program “Shark Tank.” Participating schools included Lincoln University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), West Chester University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Conceived by Dr. David Zuzga, assistant dean of the Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center, and Dr. Heather Steinman, senior vice president of Business Development, the course teaches students how to translate foundational biological research into a viable commercialization plan. Students select Wistar intellectual property, learn the science behind the discovery, and develop a go-to-market strategy, which they pitch to a panel of judges.
Judging for this year’s event were Jeffrey Babin of the University of Pennsylvania; Jennifer Hartt, a consultant with Ben Franklin Technology Partners; and John Welsh, CEO of OsciFlex LLC. Together, the panel probed the students’ business plans, identified areas of concern, and asked them to clarify their approaches.
This year’s first-place prize went to TriCureX for its proposed treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Second place was awarded to OncoUnbreaked for its commercialization strategy for an immunotherapy targeting ovarian cancer. A third team, OnCoVox, received the People’s Choice award. All three teams were part of PCOM.
In opening remarks, Dr. Zuzga announced that a new benefactor, George Ahern, will help ensure the Life Sciences Innovation competition continues to provide students with a platform to translate scientific discovery and showcase entrepreneurial skills.
“George was truly inspired when he learned about the LSI course and the incredible work of all the participants, culminating in these pitches and well-deserved awards,” said Dr. Zuzga. “He believes this is an innovative and exciting program, and he is delighted to now be a part of helping bring it to fruition.”
The evening concluded with a reception celebrating the students’ accomplishments and giving attendees an opportunity to connect with the teams and their ideas.