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 THREE competition categories: (1) high school students (grades 9-12), (2) college undergraduate students, and (3) college graduate students. 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. The audience will consist of judges, fellow students, teachers, entrepreneurial and start up resources’ representatives, scientists and bioscience professionals.
Agenda & Location
April 17, 2025 at University of Maine Orono – Collins Center for the Arts
Application Deadline: EXTENDED to March 31
12:30-1:00PM Registration & Poster Setup
1:00-2:30PM High School & Undergrad Poster Competitions
2:30-3:15PM Coffee/Snack Break & Poster Winners Announcements
3:15-4:15PM Graduate Fast-Pitch Competition
4:15-5:00PM Mini Reception & Fast-Pitch Competition Winners Announcement
Please note: Registration is for attendees only. Participating students do not need to register.
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.
High School Competition Awards
1st place: $1,000
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). Present your research findings on a poster. Please follow the poster guidelines closely.
STEP 2: Apply to enter the BioME Student Showcase by submitting an application here AND sending a PDF of your poster to [email protected] by Monday, March 24, 2025.
STEP 3: You will be notified via email by April 4, 2025 if your project has qualified for the competition. Judges will identify 12 high school finalists for the Showcase.
STEP 4: Individual presentations/ interviews will take place at the BioME Student Showcase on April 17, 2025. BioME judges will decide and announce the high school winners at the BioME Student Showcase.
College Undergraduate Application & Information
College Undergraduate Poster Competition
The College Undergraduate Poster Competition is open to any undergraduate student enrolled in a Maine academic institution.
Participants will share their biotech/ life science-focused poster project and research to judges throughout the time allotted in the agenda for undergraduate students.
College Undergraduate Competition Awards
1st place: $1,100
2nd place: $800
3rd place: $600
How to compete
STEP 1: Identify your biotech/ life sciences research project and present your research findings on a poster.
STEP 2: Apply to enter the BioME Student Showcase by submitting an application here AND sending a PDF of your poster to [email protected] by Monday, March 24, 2025.
STEP 3: You will be notified via email by April 4, 2025 if your project has qualified for the competition. Judges will identify 10 undergraduate finalists for the Showcase.
STEP 4: Individual presentations/ interviews will take place at the BioME Student Showcase on April 17, 2025. BioME judges will decide and announce the undergraduate winners at the BioME Student Showcase.
College Application & Information
College Graduate Fast Pitch Competition
The Fast Pitch Competition is open to any graduate student enrolled in a Maine academic institution.
Participants will share their life science-focused research project through a 5-minute pitch to judges, peers and mentors. Up to 5 slides can be displayed during the presentation. The pitch should focus on the commercialization of your project / research.
College Graduate Fast-Pitch 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 [email protected] by Monday, March 24, 2025.
STEP 3: You will be notified via email by April 4, 2025 if your project has qualified for the competition. Judges will identify 8 college graduate finalists for the Showcase.
STEP 4: If qualified, prepare a 5-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 5 minute time period.
STEP 5: Present your research project at the BioME Student Showcase on April 17, 2025. BioME judges will decide and announce the graduate winners at the BioME Student Showcase.
Opportunities & Additional Information
Information for Top Finalists
- Checks will be mailed within 1 week after the event.
- 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 – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.
Event Sponsored By
