{"id":1314,"date":"2020-01-10T15:50:27","date_gmt":"2020-01-10T20:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/m2d2\/?p=1314"},"modified":"2020-02-11T15:29:24","modified_gmt":"2020-02-11T20:29:24","slug":"the-2020-m2d2-200k-challenge-is-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uml.edu\/m2d2\/2020\/01\/10\/the-2020-m2d2-200k-challenge-is-here\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2020 M2D2 $200K Challenge is Here!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Judges
The Challenge’s judges represent major global life sciences players.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The $200K Challenge is back for its ninth consecutive year! Hosted by M2D2, this event focuses on identifying and rewarding disruptive companies in the medical technology and biotechnology industries. We want to see your innovations brought to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year we receive scores of entries (nearly 150 in 2019)\nfrom life sciences entrepreneurs worldwide. India, China, and Australia are\njust a few of the many countries involved in the 2019 200K Challenge. Last year,\nour judges selected 12 winners\u2014a Challenge record! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to the 2020 $200K Challenge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Enter<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This year, up to 20 finalists will become eligible to win a\nshare of our $200,000 purse of sponsor-provided, in-kind services. These\nservices include lab and office space; engineering, product development, legal,\nregulatory, clinical, and business services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past winners have been empowered to bring their innovations to life\u2014and to market. See last year’s winning pitches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M2D2 Director of Operations Mary Ann Picard shared her excitement for this year\u2019s challenge. \u201cWe welcome innovations that address the full range of medical device challenges. We have seen the number of entries and attendees for the $200K Challenge rise every year, and we are excited to see applicants reach a new high.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A direct connection to the global life sciences industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The $200K Challenge offers finalists a unique opportunity to showcase their innovations and research to the event sponsors, many of which are recognized international leaders in the development of medical device, biotech, and therapeutic advances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe sponsors see this event as an opportunity as a way to get out of the office and see what is happening \u2018on the ground\u2019 in early-stage startups,\u201d said Picard. Several sponsors have specific criteria for which they are seeking to award during the challenge. Check out our $200K Challenge Rules page<\/a> for more information.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe startups who take advantage of all opportunities\noffered are the most successful,\u201d added Picard. \u201cFinalists for the $200K\nChallenge receive free coaching on their pitches from our sponsors and event mentors.\nNo matter how groundbreaking your idea is, without a strong, compelling pitch,\nit\u2019ll never get off the launch pad.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answering the nation\u2019s health security call<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mohan
Dynocardia’s Mohan Thanikachalam pitched his way to BARDA support in 2019.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

M2D2 is the only New England-based accelerator for DRIVe, a\nprogram of BARDA<\/a>, an office within the US\nDepartment of Homeland Security. BARDA seeks to accelerate the development and\navailability of transformative technologies to protect Americans from health\nsecurity threats. \u201cThe Challenge is an outstanding opportunity for life\nsciences startups to connect with BARDA funding and support,\u201d said Picard.\n\u201cBARDA took special notice of one of our 2019 winners, Dynocardia<\/a>, and has been instrumental in the advancement of\ntheir technology.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn\nmore about BARDA DRIVe<\/a> and the funding opportunities available for your\nstartup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovation out of India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last year, the Deshpande Foundation fully funded the travel\nfor three\nof our 19 Challenge Finalists<\/a> from their base of operations, the Healthcare\nTechnology Innovation Centre at the India Institute of Technology-Madras.\nBuzzArk Simulations won the second place Desphande Award for their VR\nsimulation of natural orifice surgery procedures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And while they didn\u2019t take home an award, startup MediSim used\nthe Challenge as their bridge to the Boston medtech ecosystem. \u201cDuring their visit\nto Massachusetts, MediSim made a wealth of connections through M2D2 for funding,\nlegal and regulatory guidance, and even real estate,\u201d said Picard. \u201cAs a result\nthey\u2019ve established a physical presence in Boston, setting up shop to do the intensive\nwork of getting their simulator to market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\nKey Challenge dates\u2014Mark your Calendar!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n