General rules

BOB 2012 - the life sciences business plan competition - takes place between February and October 2012. The competition is divided into 2 stages: In phase 1, the three most innovative business ideas are identified while in phase 2, the best three business plans and the best medical technology business plan are selected. All participants have access to intensive coaching from our experts throughout the competition.

• BOB’s focus is on start-up ideas in the life sciences. Hence, only business ideas and concepts with practical and marketable applications in the following areas can be submitted:
  • Red biotechnology (Biopharmaceuticals for humans or animals)
  • Green or blue biotechnology (Agro-biotechnology or marine biotechnology)
  • White biotechnology (Biotechnology applied to industrial processes)
  • Medical Technology (***detailed definition at the end of the page)
  • Supply and service applications in the life sciences (e.g. new sequencing methods, bioinformatics)

• The official language of the competition is English. All documents and presentations must be written in English.
• No distinction is made with regard to evaluation of Austrian and Non-Austrian participants. Participants from all countries are equally welcome.
• Participation in the competition and all related activities is free. Travel and lodging costs are to be covered by the participants.
• Participation in the workshop, the one-on-one meetings and the coaching session while highly recommended is not a mandatory precondition to participate in the competition.
• Contestants who wish to participate only in phase 2 of the competition are welcome to register between 11 May-29 July and must submit their business plans before 29 July.

***Definition of Medical Technology within the framework of Best of Biotech:

• Diagnostic tools and technologies (e.g. X-Ray, NMR, urea tests, allergy tests, blood pressure measuring tools etc.)
• Therapeutic tools and technologies (e.g. implants, prostheses, rehabilitation tools, orthopedic tools, dialysis technology, cryotherapy etc.)
• Medical Tools (e.g. disposable gloves, syringe, incontinence aids, bandaging material etc.)
• Laboratory-, ambulance-, hospital furniture und technology (e.g. beds, mattresses, textiles, tables, illumination etc.)
• Services (overall medical services such as medical IT)
• Remember that your idea needs to be a true innovation, not a "me too"-product or an improvement over an existing technology