June 7-10 | Philadelphia
2027 Call for Start-Up Stadium Applications Now Open!
BIO is now accepting 2027 Start-Up Stadium applications from innovative early-stage companies eager to showcase their breakthroughs at the world’s largest biotechnology partnering event — which will be held June 7–10, 2027, in Philadelphia, Penn.
Pitch applications will be reviewed to select and invite 40+ finalists who will present live in Philadelphia before a panel of investors, industry leaders, and potential strategic partners.
The deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, February 16, 2027, 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time).
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.
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 2027: 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.
Need Advice on Your Pitch Deck?
Download our pitch presentation guide for additional insight and advice on building a stellar submission.
BIO has announced both winning companies publicly via Bio.News: BrainStorm Therapeutics and iNFixion Bioscience, Inc.
The Seed-Stage winner received:
The Seed-Stage winner and the Emerging Start-Up winner each received:
Special thanks to our 2026 Start-Up Stadium judges:
| Anne Mazet, Chief of Staff - JET FUEL, Xcellerant Ventures |
Kanav Aggarwal, PSM, Founder, Celesticus |
| Brian Ellerman, EdD, MLS, Executive Chair, Desert Angels | Luca Giani, MPP, Senior Principal, Alumni Ventures |
| Carolyn Myers, MBA, PhD, CEO and Principal, FendX Technologies, Inc., and BioEnsemble LLC (and Member, Mid Atlantic Bio Angels) |
Natacha Ralainirina, PhD, Deal Partner, Boardy |
| Dorothée Marie-Louise Döpfer, MPH, Deputy Head of Digital Labs & Program Management Digital Health Accelerator & Community Building, Berlin Institute of Health | Prasad Sunkara, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO, and Investor, Eyegenex, Inc., and NuFund Venture Group |
| Elizabeth Scallon, MBA, Director, Healthcare & Life Science AI Startups, NVIDIA | Rajeev Dadoo, PhD, COO and Managing Partner, SR One |
| Eva Wang PhD, MBA, Venture Partner, MedTech Innovation Hub | Stephanie Marrus, MBA, Founder, Redwood Innovation Advisors |
| Gail Gannon, MSPH, Founder and CEO, Ensante Insights | Will Hoh, MS, Managing Director, Mergers and Acquisitions/Credit and Royalty Finance, H.C. Wainwright & Co. |
| Haley Ha , Analyst, Xcellerant Ventures | William Provine, PhD, Founder, President, and CEO, The Innovation Space* |
| Jae Sly, MBA, PhD, Chairman and CEO, Pathways Preclinical Partners, Inc.* |
Sponsored by:
Supporters:
2026 Start Up Stadium
Infectious Disease and Vaccines 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Oncology 
Orphan and Rare Disease 
Cell and Gene Therapy and Genome Editing 
Brain Health 
Brain Health 
Brain Health 
Brain Health 
Winning Investor Interest: A Fundraising Masterclass for Biotech Leaders
Presented by Locust Walk
Presented by Falk Ehmann, MD, PhD, Head of Innovation and Development Accelerator - European Medicines Agency (EMA)
If selected as a Start-Up Stadium finalist, how many discounted Premier registrations can my company receive?
BIO provides one (1) discounted Premier Access registration per finalist company for the individual presenting the pitch on the company's behalf. Any additional individuals must register at the standard registration rates.
What do prize winners receive?
Who can I contact for more information?
Please email program@bio.org if you have any additional questions about applying for the 2027 BIO Start-Up Stadium.
Our sponsors help support BIO's mission to support and advocate for the biotechnology industry.
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