I-CREATE Apps Open for Medical Devices and Diagnostics Technology

I-CREATE, powered by University Lab Partners, is seeking proposals for innovative diagnostic solutions and medical devices that support BARDA’s mission to advance public health emergencies for biological threats.

Through the I-CREATE program, innovators can access two exciting opportunities: Non-Dilutive Funding of up to $200k and/or a no-cost, no-equity Accelerator Program.

Non-Dilutive Funding Solicitation

• Awardees will receive funding up to $200,000 over 6 months to explore opportunities with BARDA's mission
• Gain direct access to federal agency representatives, investors and partners to advance your innovation
• No-cost mentorship in areas such as regulatory, IP, market access, clinical utility and much more

Accelerator Program

• Tailored 12-week accelerator curriculum series with interactive learning opportunities to develop your startup
• 1:1 mentorship with seasoned subject matter experts in relevant topics of your choice
• Pitch in a virtual showcase with numerous investors and a chance to win a cash prize of up to $50,000

Examples of technologies I-CREATE is seeking to fund

• Diagnostics platforms
• Continuous monitoring
• Breath detection approaches

Applications are open until September 30, 2025. https://www.universitylabpartners.org/i-create

This is your chance to move your innovation forward with expert support and resources!

Apply to I-CREATE.

Thank you to University Lab Partners, a renewing Supporting Member of the OC Startup Council!

University Lab Partners is a premier nonprofit wet lab incubator in Orange County, offering state-of-the-art facilities, global accelerator programs for early-stage life science companies, and workforce development and education for students and early-career professionals. 

OC Startup Ecosystem Directory Category:

• Incubators/Accelerators
• Startup Advisors

Contact: Sandra Miller, Executive Director - info@universitylabpartners.org

https://www.universitylabpartners.org/

Thanks to University Lab Partners for investing in Orange County and supporting the OC Startup Council!

Learn here how your organization can join the OCSC, too!

Uniting Together for a Safer, Healthier Future

Join University Lab Partners Wednesday, August 7 to Friday, August 16, 2024.

I-CREATE is a joint initiative created between University Lab Partners and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The International Consortium for Research, Engineering, Acceleration of Technology Excellence (I-CREATE) is designed to support startups in developing innovative diagnostic technology and medical devices to enhance the nation's readiness for public health emergencies.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

Join University Lab Partners and leading experts for a discussion on opportunities in pediatric research, medical device development, and innovation.

The panel will discuss current challenges, potential strategies, and opportunities for accelerating R&D in medical devices for children.

Join them Wednesday, July 24 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at The Park Club - inside The Monet Restaurant, 650 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

The discussion will highlight critical regulatory reforms needed to encourage investment in pediatric devices, share insights on new private public partnership programs at the FDA, NIH and NSF and explore how removing barriers and increasing incentives can transform pediatric healthcare, ensuring that children receive the innovative medical devices they need and deserve. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders and contribute to shaping the future of pediatric healthcare technology.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

4-part series by University Lab Partners to help your company write a winning SBIR/STTR proposal.

Join them Wednesdays, May 8 to June 12, 2024 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM online.

SBIRs are one of the most common non-dilutive funding mechanisms to help life science startups get started.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

Join University Lab Partners for OC LIFe to learn about neurotechnology commercialization with speakers Brian Paegel, Robert Spitale, and Sunil Gandhi.

The panel will discuss the most pressing issues facing companies as they expand beyond the university, especially how to get new companies off the ground given the current economic dynamics.

Join them Wednesday, March 27 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Seasons 52, 3333 Bristol St Suite #2802, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Join successful startup founders, investors, and industry experts for an in-depth conversation about neurotechnology commercialization.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

An Orange County non-profit organization is hiring!

Check out this new local Director of Acceleration job opportunity from University Lab Partners:

University Lab Partners is looking for a Director of Acceleration to join their team.

They seek an experienced, enterprising, purposeful leader to drive the execution of an accelerator program being launched by ULP. Your primary objective of the ULP Accelerator is to empower and accelerate scalable companies in the life science and medical technology sectors. The program will provide tailored advisory/consulting, specialized life science-focused entrepreneurial training, access to scientific infrastructure to facilitate technology commercialization, and increase early-stage capital access, culminating in accelerated growth and improved outcomes for the participating companies.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Acceleration is a newly formed leadership role with responsibility and accountability for venture development activities. In this role, you will directly contribute to facilitating the formation and growth of life science startup companies formed around innovations developed at universities and the regional startup ecosystem. You will also oversee innovation and entrepreneurship programs, activities, and initiatives. You will also help innovators define the implementation, adoption, and commercialization pathways for early-stage innovations and provide entrepreneurs with the connections, tools, resources, and expertise necessary to develop a startup company with the potential to drive transformative change and societal impact. You will be a subject matter expert on new venture development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. You will closely coordinate with regional stakeholders to address complex issues with organization-wide impact. You must model an outstanding work ethic, exemplary people skills, and a commitment to relationship building.

To be successful, you should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Business, or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Recognized expert with substantial experience in new venture development and innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences industry in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and/or medical devices/diagnostics.
• Advanced knowledge of new venture funding, institutional and non-dilutive capital sources, and startup fundraising strategies.
• Strong working knowledge of technology commercialization.
• Strong interpersonal skills across all mediums and with diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and leverage an extensive network of professional contacts and relationships.
• Highly developed skills and expertise in organizational, program, and project management with the ability to measure performance and implement continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment and strict discretion.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in business software suites and use customer relationship management, marketing, and outreach software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple partners and stakeholders and effectively coordinate collaborative work.

We expect you to be:

• Highly Collaborative, Open, and Honest, Let’s Make it Happen Attitude, Service Driven.
• Self-starter with an excellent work ethic and optimistic attitude who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to be part of a team-focused environment and derive pleasure and satisfaction in helping others.

Your responsibilities as the Director of Acceleration will include:

• Develop and oversee new venture development, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs with organization-wide and broader impact focused on new venture creation and startup support, entrepreneurial training and experiential learning, market intelligence and customer discovery, mentor and ecosystem engagement, innovation recognition, and funding.
• Pursue and secure government, non-profit, and private funding to sustain and enhance programmatic activities. Serve as the point person between large-scale, critical innovation partners and universities supporting productive relationships.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individuals, organizations, and resources in the broader innovation ecosystem, including, but not limited to, angel and venture investors, other incubators and accelerators, government agencies, industry associations, business and technical service providers, innovative companies, research institutions, venture studios, experienced entrepreneurs, and mentors and advisors. Develops and manages partnerships to advance new venture development opportunities and catalyze startup formation and growth.
• Provide guidance to university-associated entrepreneurs and other founders on new venture development, enable engagement in campus programming, and facilitate connections within partner networks and the innovation ecosystem.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a network of campus and community program partners, such as technology transfer offices, to ensure the effective delivery of programming and leverage collective resources.
• Lead and supervise while providing operational and resource oversight. Establish policies, practices, and procedures and monitor trends to lead the adoption of best practices for new venture development activities.
• Track data and metrics to monitor startup performance and report on unit activities, output, and outcomes. Lead marketing and communications efforts, strategize innovative and engaging proactive outreach, create informational materials, and provide presentations to various audiences. Represent the program at conferences and other public events and serve on boards and committees.

Learn More About this Job Here.

About University Lab Partners

ULP empowers economic development and job creation in Orange County by combining a state-of-the-art life science co-working environment with workforce development and training opportunities. Since 2019, ULP has managed state-of-the-art wet lab facilities and the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community developing cutting-edge medical innovations that save and improve human lives.

ULP is dedicated to creating a culture of innovation by providing resources and building the necessary network to facilitate the path from idea to research and intellectual property development to commercially viable enterprises and domestically manufactured products. ULP develops entrepreneurs in Orange County and provides an atmosphere supporting innovation and creating new jobs and businesses. While making the most of its existing relationships with industry professionals, universities, philanthropic entities, government officials, and regional stakeholders, ULP also forges new relationships to connect economic development and technology commercialization resources. As part of the process, ULP serves as a landing ground for life science innovators and supporters by hosting educational and thought-leadership events to provide resources and connections so start-ups can thrive.

Thanks to University Lab Partners for offering this local job opportunity, the details, and the graphic!

See more OC tech startup job listings here.

Is your company hiring in Orange County? Submit your job listings here.

Investing in Life Science Innovation: University Lab Partners Awarded $2M to Accelerate Scalable Ventures

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- University Lab Partners (ULP), a premier nonprofit wet lab incubator based in Orange County, California, is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of 220 applicants nationwide to receive a $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Build to Scale program.

Build to Scale is a pivotal initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at fostering innovation, supporting technology entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth. The program seeks to enhance inclusive access to entrepreneurial assistance and startup capital. ULP's $2 million award will be matched by $2M in local funding and dedicated to scaling its accelerator and commercialization initiatives in Orange County and the broader Southern California region over the next three years.

Karin Koch, Executive Director of University Lab Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, "This investment by the EDA will scale ULP's proven incubation and acceleration programs. Our startups don't just dream about improving human health – they strive to make it a reality every day and ULP is an extension of their teams in so many ways." The acknowledgment underscores the critical role that ULP plays in fostering innovation and economic development in Orange County.

Since its establishment in 2019, ULP has incubated 63 companies and graduated 6 companies, resulting in the creation of 448 new jobs within the region. Positioned as a leader in the Orange County innovation ecosystem, ULP provides state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and superior services, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and growth. With a commitment to advancing innovation, the Build to Scale grant will significantly amplify the impact of ULP's accelerator services.

Emre Koyuncu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crescenta Biosciences stated, "Being a part of the ULP community, I see this grant as a crucial catalyst for innovation in the region. In the hands of ULP's proven leadership, it will empower life science startups with the resources and support needed to transform their discoveries and early programs into life-saving medical innovations."

The primary objective of the ULP Accelerator is to empower and accelerate scalable ventures in the life science and medical technology sectors. The program will provide tailored advisory/consulting, specialized life science focused entrepreneurial training, access to scientific infrastructure to facilitate technology commercialization, and increase early-stage capital access culminating in regional high-wage job creation for a diverse workforce.

Ahmed Zobi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Syntr Health Technologies, a resident company at ULP, shared his excitement about the EDA Build to Scale grant. He stated, "I am thrilled to witness ULP being awarded this grant. It holds the potential to assist numerous founders in Irvine, guiding them along the entrepreneurial path and facilitating the scaling of their ventures. The funding is instrumental in cultivating a robust medtech and biotech hub right in the heart of Irvine."

About University Lab Partners:

University Lab Partners (ULP) is a premier, nonprofit, wet lab incubator located in Orange County, CA. ULP operates 2 facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo, CA. ULP offers highly-equipped wet lab facilities along with the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-life-science-innovation-university-lab-partners-awarded-2m-to-accelerate-scalable-ventures-301992494.html

Get ready for a captivating blend of innovation and empowerment at Women Talk Tech Bio!

Join University Lab Partners for the Women Talk Tech Bio forum for women entrepreneurs and supporters, featuring a keynote speaker and panelists.

Join them Thursday, October 19 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM at the Water Grill South Coast Plaza, 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

This half-day program will provide women innovators in life science and tech with real-world advice and actionable insights they can immediately implement in their businesses. There will be plenty of time for expert Q&A and networking throughout the day.

The hallmark of this forum is the authenticity of the speakers and panelists and their desire to share their knowledge and experiences with other women.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

Welcome to University Lab Partners, a new Supporting Member of the OC Startup Council.

University Lab Partners is a premier, nonprofit, wet lab incubator located in Orange County, CA. ULP operates 2 facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo, CA. ULP offers highly-equipped wet lab facilities along with the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused

OC Startup Ecosystem Directory Category:

• Incubators/Accelerators
• Startup Advisors

Contact: Karin Koch, Executive Director - info@universitylabpartners.org

https://www.universitylabpartners.org/

Thanks to University Lab Partners for investing in Orange County and supporting the OC Startup Council!

Learn here how your organization can join the OCSC, too!

University Lab Partners (ULP) and Vital Link present an evening celebrating and supporting STEM education in Orange County.

Join them Saturday, September 30 from 6:00PM to 10:00PM at Edwards Lifesciences, One Edwards Way, Irvine, CA 92614.

Join Vital Link and University Lab Partners as they celebrate and support STEM education in Orange County.

They will recognize outstanding businesses, educators, and individuals supporting the growth and advancement of student opportunities.

Together we'll continue to foster a culture of innovation and empower the next generation of innovators in Orange County.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

OC LIFe aims to connect industry with entrepreneurs and strengthen the life sciences community.

Join them Wednesday, June 28 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at The Water Grill, 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Building a life science startup requires careful planning, deep knowledge of the industry, and a willingness to take risks. To succeed in this field, entrepreneurs need to develop a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape, as well as the unique challenges involved in developing and bringing new ideas to market.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

By University Lab Partners

How to better articulate your value proposition, define valid customer segments, and evaluate your business model.

Join them Tuesday, June 6 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM via Zoom.

In today’s business climate, investors are focused on funding life science startups that will be able to gain traction quickly and provide a solid ROI. What are the key elements investors are looking for now and how can you implement them in your business?

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

Are you a life science start-up? Pitch to win FREE lab space for 1-year.

Launch Your Innovation: University Lab Partners (ULP) announces the 3rd annual launch of Orange County’s pitch competition for life science startups, Pitch. Launch. Grow.

Applicants have the opportunity to apply for 2 tracks, life science and medical technologies. The life science track includes companies developing technology in the fields of drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics. The medical technologies track includes companies developing medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health innovations.

One (1) winner from each track will receive priority admission and/or renewal to ULP, 1-year sponsored lab space at ULP, and a $10,000 cash prize.

Start-ups can refine their pitches while attending the 4-part development series focused on the fundamentals of creating a life science company. Finalists will be selected by a panel of startup experts including early-stage industry strategic partners and investors. The finalists will pitch live at the Demo Day on August 23rd, 2023, in Irvine, CA where the winners will be announced.

Applications open May 8, 2023, until June 5, 2023.

2 Tracks

Life Science
The life science track can include companies operating in the fields of drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics offering innovative products and services. These solutions are designed to improve patient outcomes, accelerate research, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems.

Medical Technologies
A medical technology company has developed unique solutions to address challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers, and the broader healthcare industry. The medical technologies track includes companies developing medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health innovations.

Timeline

May - Applications Open

• May 8, 2023 - Applications Open

June - Pitch Prep

• June 5, 2023 - Applications Close
• Applicants can attend Life Science Startup Series starting June 6, 2023. The 4-part series is designed to take you through the fundamentals of creating a life science startup that meets investors' criteria. Will cover the key elements of a pitch deck that will help you tell your story and attract funding, focusing on 4 major areas: business essentials, the market, the executive team, and financial projections.

July - Judges Review Proposals

• July 5, 2023 - Deadline to submit final pitches to vetting judges.
  Final pitches should include the usual investor pitch content as well as a slide on what the applicant will use the competition prize for and how it will get their company to their next milestone. If you do not submit a final pitch the original pitch deck will be used.

August - Demo Day

• August 1, 2023 - Finalists will be announced.
• August 23, 2023 - Winners will be announced at the in-person demo day.

Apply here.

By University Lab Partners

OC LIFe aims to connect industry with entrepreneurs and strengthen the life sciences community.

Join them Wednesday, April 26 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at The Conference Center @ UCI Research Park, 5301 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92617.

Join this month's OC LIFe to hear from the successful recipients of the SBIR grant as they share their experiences. Grant expert, Laura Cobb from ScienceDocs, will discuss what is new and what has changed. Are temporary measures from the last two years over? Are there more funding opportunities than ever?

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

By University Lab Partners

6-part series to take you through the SBIR program with ScienceDocs consultant

Join them Wednesday, March 29 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM online.

SBIRs are one of the most common non-dilutive funding mechanisms to help life science startups get started.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

By University Lab Partners - as part of Irvine Tech Week!   

Join them Thursday, March 23 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at The Commons at UCI Research Park, 5301 California Avenue, Irvine, CA 92617.

The Founder journey is never an easy, linear path, and for life science founders, it is loaded with more challenges and uncertainty. The journey is usually ignited with a passion-driven mission paired with many successes and even more failures along the way.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

By University Lab Partners

With all the economic uncertainty recently, is there any way to know what 2023 might hold for venture funding?

Join University Lab Partners at OC LIFe on Wednesday, February 22nd at the Water Grill to hear from leading banks, investors, and ecosystem experts on the economic outlook for life science seed funding and growth capital.

The Orange County Lifesciences Innovators Forum (OC LIFe) is a bi-monthly marquee event series focused on creating a collaborative environment that fosters connections between innovators in the life sciences and medtech industry.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

OC LIFe aims to connect industry with entrepreneurs and strengthen the life sciences community.

Join University Lab Partners Wednesday, February 22 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Water Grill South Coast Plaza, 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Economic Outlook for Life Science Startup Funding

With all the economic uncertainty recently, is there any way to know what 2023 might hold for venture funding? Join them for OC LIFe on February 22nd to hear from leading banks, investors, and ecosystem experts on the economic outlook for life science seed funding and growth capital.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.

Women Talk Tech Bio by University Lab Partners

Join them Wednesday, October 26 from 1:00PM to 6:00PM at Water Grill South Coast Plaza, 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

For women entrepreneurs and supporters, featuring panelists on IP, talent, funding and investing.

Join them for the Women Talk Tech Bio forum for women entrepreneurs and supporters, featuring keynote speakers and panelists on IP, talent, funding and investing.

This half-day program will provide women innovators in tech and life science with real-world advice and actionable insights they can immediately implement in their businesses. There will be plenty of time for expert Q&A and networking throughout the day. The hallmark of this forum is the authenticity of the speakers and panelists and their desire to share their knowledge and experiences with other women.

GET MORE EVENT INFO HERE…

Want more events?  Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.