The new program was developed by the same team behind MedTech Innovator, an organization that hosts a nonprofit global competition and accelerator for medical device startups. Zavala is MedTech Innovator's chief operating officer and vice president of business development.
Startup companies selected to participate in the three-month BioTools Innovator program will gain visibility and access to investors, stakeholders, decision-makers, and a network of mentors and peers. They will also be able to participate in a webinar-based educational curriculum.
BioTools Innovator encourages all early-stage founders developing tools and services for biotechnology, biomedicine, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry to apply for the program. The organization is currently accepting applications, and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.
At the end of the program, the top 10 companies will compete in the BioTools Innovator Final Competition scheduled for mid-October 2021. Up to $200,000 in nondilutive cash prizes will be awarded to the four selected finalists. The grand prize winner will be determined via a live audience vote and announced during the event.