A Maine life science research competition
The BioME Student Showcase is a Maine life science research competition providing high school, undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to show off their passion for life science and present their research for a chance to win cash and academic prizes.
The goal of this event is to support innovation and commercialization of student ideas in Maine, as well as connect current students with potential future employers and entrepreneurial resources in the state.
BioME Student Showcase features TWO competition categories: (1) high school students (grades 9-12) and (2) college students (undergraduate and graduate). Students must be enrolled in Maine educational institutions to participate. Judges for the BioME Student Showcase include Maine scientists, entrepreneurs, academia and start-up/commercialization experts.
Agenda & Location
May 3, 2023 at the Bangor Arts Exchange, 193 Exchange St, Bangor, ME 04401
1:00-1:30PM Registration & Poster Setup
1:30-3:00PM High School Poster Competition
3:00-4:00PM Coffee/Snack Break & High School Winners Announcement
4:00-5:00PM College Fast-Pitch Competition
5:00-6:00PM College Fast-Pitch Winners Announcement & Mini Reception
High School Application & Information
High School Poster Competition
The High School Poster Competition is open to any student in grade 9-12 attending public, private or home school in Maine.
Participants will share their life science-focused poster project and research to judges throughout the time allotted in the agenda for high school students.
The audience will consist of judges, fellow students, teachers, entrepreneurial and start up resources’ representatives, scientists and bioscience professionals. A presentation at the BioME Student Showcase is an amazing opportunity to share your passion and research findings to a network of professionals.
High School Competition Awards
1st place: $1,000, and an opportunity to present your poster at the BioME Annual Conference in Portland, ME in September 2023.
2nd place: $700
3rd place: $500
How to compete
STEP 1: Identify your life sciences research project, focused on health care, agriculture or industrial/ environmental biotechnology. For more information, scroll down to “How do I choose a Category” here. Only individual projects will be accepted (no teams).
STEP 2: Present your research findings on a poster. Please follow the poster guidelines closely.
STEP 3: Apply to enter the BioME Student Showcase by submitting an application here AND sending a PDF of your poster to education@biomaine.org by Friday, April 14, 2023.
STEP 4: You will be notified via email by April 21, 2023 if your project has qualified for the competition. Judges will identify 12 high school finalists for the Showcase.
STEP 5: Individual presentations/ interviews will take place at the BioME Student Showcase on May 3, 2023 from 1-6PM at Bangor Arts in Bangor, ME.
STEP 6: BioME judges will decide and announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place high school winners for the BioME Student Showcase (Poster Competition).
College Application & Information
College Fast Pitch Competition
The Fast Pitch Competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Maine academic institutions.
Participants will share their life science-focused research project through a 3-minute pitch. Up to 5 slides can be displayed during the presentation.
The audience will consist of judges, fellow students, entrepreneurial and start up resources’ representatives, scientists and bioscience professionals. A presentation at the BioME Student Showcase is an amazing opportunity to share your passion, and research findings, to a network of professionals who may help you commercialize your idea.
College Competition Awards
1st place: $2,500
2nd place: $1,500
3rd place: $700
How to compete
STEP 1: Identify your life sciences-focused research project. Think big. The potential for commercialization is strongly encouraged. Both individual and team projects are accepted for the Fast Pitch Competition.
STEP 2: Apply to enter the Fast Pitch Competition by submitting your resume and a 1-page overview of your research focus to education@biomaine.org by Friday, April 14, 2023.
STEP 3: You will be notified via email by April 21, 2023 if your project has qualified for the competition. Judges will identify 10 college finalists for the Showcase.
STEP 4: If qualified, prepare a 3-minute oral pitch. You may also prepare up to 5 slides for your presentation. For team projects, only one or two students can pitch during the 3 minute time period.
STEP 5: Present your research project at the BioME Student Showcase on May 3, 2023 from 1-6PM at Bangor Arts in Bangor, ME.
STEP 6: BioME judges will decide and announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place college winners for the BioME Student Showcase (Fast Pitch Competition).
Opportunities & Additional Information
Information for Top Finalists
- Checks will be mailed within 1 week after the event.
- The 1st place recipient for the High School Poster Poster Competition will automatically qualify to present their research poster at the BioME Annual Conference in Portland, ME in September, 2023. More details will follow.
- Please note that if this event goes virtual, all Zoom presentations will be recorded and may be posted on our website.
- When submitting your applications, please make sure to include a valid mailing address.
Additional Information
- The audience will consist of scientists, bioscience professionals, academia, BioME member companies, economic development institutions’ representatives, and other members of bioscience community in Maine
- Students, teachers, professors and parents/guardians are encouraged to participate. Register here.
- Read blogs about the BioME Student Showcase from previous years – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.
Event Sponsored By
