Start-Up Stadium at BIO 2026

The application for the BIO 2026 Start-Up Stadium has now closed. The deadline for applications was Friday, February 20, 2026.

All Start-Up Stadium submitters will be notified of their application status (i.e., finalist or non-finalist) after the review and selection process is complete.

About Start-Up Stadium

Start-Up Stadium is designed to provide start-up and emerging biotechnology and life science companies — with fewer than 20 employees and that have raised less than $10 million since inception — a unique platform to engage directly with the global investment community. Read the FAQs below for more information.

This high-visibility opportunity helps startups gain valuable exposure, receive expert feedback, and connect with key stakeholders across the biotech ecosystem.

Two prizes will be awarded after BIO 2026: One Seed Stage Start-Up Prize Winner; and one Emerging Start-Up Prize Winner. Don’t miss your chance to take the field and share your innovation on a global stage.

2026 Sponsor:

city of phoenix

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Congratulations to our 2025 Seed-Stage and Emerging Winners

2025 SEED-STAGE START-UP WINNER

riboway therapeutics

Riboway Therapeutics

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2025 EMERGING START-UP WINNER

tezcat

Tezcat Biosciences

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BIO has announced both winning companies together publicly via in Bio.News.

The Seed-Stage winner received:

Fast-track admission in the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 cohort of The Innovation Space’s Science Inc. virtual accelerator program and/or spotlight position in The Innovation Space’s monthly Spark Factory virtual event. Moreover, company will also be considered for up to a $240k First Fund investment (residency in The Innovation Space required for First Fund investments).

The Seed-Stage winner and the Emerging Start-Up winner each received:

A complimentary one-year membership for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, including access to benefits from BIO Business Solutions®, the largest cost-savings purchasing program for the life sciences industry.
One complimentary registration including BIO Partnering™ access to attend the 2026 BIO International Convention, June 22-25, in San Diego, California

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for Start-Up Stadium?

Eligible Start-Up Stadium applicants must have:

Raised less than $10M since inception
Previous business pitch or competition experience
Fewer than 20 full-time employees
Not previously been named a BIO Start-Up Stadium winner

What is the application process and submission deadline for Start-Up Stadium?

Submit a Start-Up Stadium application as well as upload your company logo and PowerPoint pitch presentation deck by the submission deadline, Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time).

What is the maximum number of pages allowed in the pitch presentation deck?

PowerPoint pitch deck should include no more than 20 slides. Applications with a pitch deck exceeding 20 slides will not advance to the initial review stage.

Is there any cost to apply for Start-Up Stadium?

There is no cost to apply for Start-Up Stadium. Please note that applying for Start-Up Stadium does not guarantee participation in the event. BIO will notify all Start-Up Stadium submitters of the status of their application in late-March/early-April 2026.

If selected to be a Start-Up Stadium finalist, do I need to register for BIO International Convention to give a pitch presentation?

If selected, finalists receive a highly discounted Premier Access registration rate to attend and present in front of our esteemed panel of judges in San Diego.

How many Start-Up Stadium finalists are typically chosen?

Approximately 40 finalists will be chosen to pitch their presentations before a panel of Start-Up Stadium judges.

How many prize winners are typically chosen each year?

Two prize winners are chosen from two categories: a Seed-Stage Company winner (companies with less than $1M raised); and an Emerging Company winner (companies with more than $1M but less than $10M raised).

What do prize winners receive?

A complimentary one-year membership for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, including access to benefits from BIO Business Solutions®, the largest cost-savings purchasing program for the life sciences industry and discounted registration to other BIO events.
One complimentary Premier Access registration (includes BIO Partnering™) for the 2027 BIO International Convention.