Companies that are developing biotechnology products, diagnostic and drug discovery platforms, and research and development services can apply to participate in the competition until April 30.

During the first round, experts will score online applications and help determine the 30 startups invited to pitch at one of several virtual pitch events set to take place in late May through June 2021. Then 10 companies will advance to receive a slot in the inaugural BioTools Innovator 2021 cohort and participate in the virtual accelerator.

The 2021 program will feature early stage companies developing research tools and services for biotechnology, biomedicine, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry from around the globe. Chosen companies may win up to $200,000 in funding and an in-kind award as part of the BioTools Innovator Final Competition, which will be held in mid-October 2021.

Funding to launch the BioTools Innovator program was provided by the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation of Research Corporation Technologies.