Apply now for the 5^th Annual EuropaBio Most Innovative EU Biotech SME Award

Now in it’s 5^th year, the award aims to reward highly innovative European SMEs who have developed novel ways of meeting our societal, technical and environmental problems through the application of biotechnology. The prize consists of €10,000 for the winner, plus two years free membership of EuropaBio for all of the finalists, which will be chosen by an expert judging committee, consisting of: G. Steven Burrill, Founder and CEO of Burrill & Company; Tom Saylor, CEO of biotech SME Arecor and chair of the EuropaBio SME Platform; Nathalie Moll, Secretary General of EuropaBio; and a member of the European Parliament. All finalists will have the chance to showcase their applications to an audience of financiers and policy makers during an event in Brussels on October 8^th. During the event, the European Commission will present their new financing instrument for SMEs, and the European Investment Bank will also showcase how to apply for their new ​‘Growth Finance Initiative’, aimed at innovative SMEs. The event will take place during the first week of October, as part of the 2014 European Biotech Week. Throughout the week, it is expected that more than 100 events will take place right across the EU with the aim of highlighting the societal benefits of biotechnology in terms of climate change, jobs and growth, industrial processes, healthcare and food. Tom Saylor, Chairman of the EuropaBio SME Platform stated: ​“I am delighted to announce the call for applications for the 5^th Annual Most Innovative EU Biotech SME Award. The longevity of the award is an acknowledgement of the important role played by biotech SMEs in many areas of our everyday lives, from job creation and economic growth, to environmental, agricultural and healthcare solutions. The EuropaBio SME award plays an important role in highlighting these benefits and subsequently, ensuring the precedence of financial support for innovative SMEs on the agenda of the European Commission and encouraging an increase in the flow of capital from the private sector, through venture capitalists and angel investments. As such, we are extremely motivated this year by the announcement of a new financing instrument for SMEs by the European Commission, as well as by the European investment bank launching their new ​‘Growth Finance Initiative’, both of which will be presented during our SME award event in October.” For more information about the award please visit the SME Award section of EuropaBio. The deadline for applications is 1^st July 2014. Source: EuropaBio