Michigan Biosciences Organization - MichBio Announces Rapid BioSense Wins $15,000 Prize At the MichBio Expo Launchpad Competition

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- MichBio, Michigan’s life sciences industry association, announced the winner of the “2006 Life Sciences Launchpad Competition” last Thursday during the MichBio Expo in Grand Rapids. Judges included Michigan-based venture capitalists, angel investors, banking representatives and investment experts. Rapid BioSense of Dexter, Michigan won the top score and the $15,000 prize. Rapid BioSense designs and markets a highly sensitive, specific, affordable and rapid biosensor able to detect bacteria and viruses. Uses for the sensor include microbiology tests in veterinary, industrial and human clinical applications.

“The Launchpad Competition showcased outstanding innovative life science ideas being generated right here in Michigan,” noted Joe Davio, Regional Bank President of Comerica, the lead sponsor of the program. “The competition was very close and we’re thrilled that Rapid BioSense won from such a high quality group of companies.”

About the MichBio Expo

The recently completed MichBio Expo attracted over 475 life science individuals to the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids for the professional portion of the program and an additional 200 high school and college students for programs aimed at helping them with college and career making decisions.

More than just a conference or trade show, the Expo consisted of four components: over 50 speakers covering the latest developments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, government and academia in Michigan; an industry exposition with displays by more than 60 of the area’s most exciting life science leaders in finance, research, government, and business; a research business plan competition for early life science companies; and exclusive business development meetings between emerging technology companies and pharmaceutical and medical device industry leaders in a private setting. MichBio hosts the MichBio Expo with sponsorship from Pfizer Global Research and Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Van Andel Institute, Asterand, Esperion, Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

About MichBio

MichBio is dedicated to driving life sciences industry growth within the State of Michigan. For new and established biosciences companies, MichBio provides a community focal point by offering networking and educational events, a roster of support services, and a portal to state and national information. MichBio represents biosciences companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers and related organizations. MichBio is focusing on the human resource, funding, and infrastructure issues affecting the state bioscience industry. MichBio is affiliated with BIO, the national organization that represents biotechnology companies across America. The knowledge based economy presents the state of Michigan with unprecedented economic opportunity; the MichBio Expo serves to act as a catalyst in bringing academic and industry leaders together for a briefing on the dynamics shaping life sciences.

MichBio