Wanted: Local high-tech startups to apply for $25K pitch competition

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Applications are now open for the annual Bright Buffalo Niagara (BBN) Entrepreneur Expo to be held on Wednesday, June 28.

Since 2009, the University at Buffalo Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology (UB CAT) and UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences (CBLS) have led BBN, a pitch and tradeshow event that connects promising local startups with the funding sources that help them prosper.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 1; 25 companies will be selected to participate.

Five companies  will present a five-minute pitch for a shot at the $20,000 grand prize; an automatic pass into the 2017 semifinals round of 43North, the $5 million startup competition based in Buffalo; and the opportunity to pitch at an upcoming Upstate Venture Association of New York (UVANY) event, which will provide exposure to the investor community.

The top five companies will also receive:

• A five minute Q&A with a panel of expert judges.
• A seat at an exclusive investor luncheon where they will network directly with regional investors.
• Automatic admission into the Critical Path Life Sciences Accelerator Program (for life sciences companies only).

The remaining 20 companies will receive the opportunity to present a 90-second pitch for a chance to win the $5,000 People’s Choice Award, which will be voted on live by audience members.  

All companies accepted into the BBN competition will receive complementary support services, including mentoring and pitch preparation.

High-tech entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Visit https://gust.com/organizations/brightventureforum to complete the application.

The BBN Entrepreneur Expo 2017 is sponsored by Viaduct, Invest Buffalo Niagara, the Western New York Incubator Network, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, NYSTAR, UVANY, Leadership Buffalo, Upstate Venture Connect, Hotel Henry, Print2Web and Z80 Labs.