BioME Student Showcase

BioMe Student Showcase is an exciting opportunity for Maine high school and college students 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. The 2019 BioME Student Showcase will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 10-am-2pm at USM’s Hannaford Hall in Portland, ME.

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

9:30-10 Registration
10-11 Maine BioGENEius Challenge (High School Poster Competition)
11:15-12:15 Fast Pitch Competition (College Students)
12:15-1:15 Lunch & Networking
1:15-2 Winners Announcement & Awards Presentation

High School Poster Competition/BioGENEius Challenge

BioME is the official local partner for the BioGENEius Challenge, a prestigious international biotech competition for grades 9-12. The high school winner of BioME Student Showcase will automatically qualify to compete against international students in the BioGENEius Challenge finals during the BIO International Convention in Philadelphia, PA, June 2-5, 2019. Travel costs will be covered for the winner and ONE chaperone.

The Maine BioGENEius Challenge is open to any student in grade 9-12 attending public, private or home school in Maine.

How to compete in the Maine BioGENEius Challenge:

STEP 1: Identify your life sciences research project focused on health care, agriculture or industrial/environmental biotechnology. 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 ONLINE here, make sure to select “Maine” on the form.

STEP 4: BioME will contact you within 48 hours if your project was qualified for the competition

STEP 5: If qualified, you must present your poster at the BioME Student Showcase on April 25, 2019

STEP 6: BioME judges will pick first, second and third prize winners.

High School Poster Competition Prizes:

1^st prize: $700 and an opportunity to represent Maine in the BioGENEius Challenge finals in Philadelphia, PA, June 2-5, 2019. All costs will be covered for the student and one chaperone.
2^nd prize: $500
3^rd prize: $300

The first prize recipient must be available during June 2-5, 2019 and be willing to go to the BioGENEius finals in Philadelphia. In the event that the winner is unable to go due to special circumstances, the runner up (2^nd prize) will represent Maine in Philadelphia.

For detailed information on Maine BioGENEius challenge, please review the Maine page on the BioGENEius website.

College Students/Fast Pitch Competition

The Fast Pitch Competition is open for college students enrolled in Maine colleges. Participants will share their biotech-focused research project in a 3-minute pitch. Up to 5 slides can be displayed during the pitch presentation. The audience will consist of 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.

How to compete in the Fast Pitch Competition:

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.

To apply, please submit your resume and a 1 page overview of your research focus to info@mainebioscience.org no later than April 18, 2019. You will be notified within 48 hours whether your project qualifies for the competition.

STEP 3: 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 (think Shark Tank).

STEP 4: Present your project at the BioME Student Showcase on April 25, 2019.

STEP 5: The BioME judges will pick 3 winners at the event (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prize).

Fast Pitch Competition Prizes:

1^st prize: $2,000
2^nd prize: $1,000
3^rd prize: $500

Opportunities & Additional Information

Opportunities:

Participate and network with life science executives, scientists and start up resources while competing at the BioME Student Showcase, theInternational BioGENEius Challenge and the BIO International Convention (high school winner only)
Add the prestigious career-building competitions to your resume and college application
Win cash and item prizes

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