$80K Pitch Competition: Highlights and Announcements.

Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s $80K Pitch Competition attracted an enthusiastic and engaged crowd.

MANSFIELD, MA-On December 5, 2024, Mansfield Bio-Incubator hosted its second Pitch Competition, raising the stakes with an impressive $80K in prizes. Building on the success of the inaugural $20K competition held earlier this year, the event brought together a vibrant crowd of over 100 attendees on the first snow day of the winter, adding a touch of seasonal charm to the excitement.

Welcoming Words

The event began with Dr. Russ Yukhananov, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s President, inspiring contestants by sharing examples of successful companies that persevered after multiple initial failures. His words set a tone of resilience and encouragement for the presenters.

This was followed by an enthusiastic endorsement from Massachusetts State Senator Paul Feeney (D), who praised Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s vital role in fostering entrepreneurship in the southeastern part of the state.

Unforgettable Pitches

Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s $80K Pitch Competition Contestants

Eleven life science and healthcare startups delivered electrifying presentations, showcasing innovative solutions that promise to redefine their industries:

Neuronity Therapeutics – Revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders by restoring the immune system in the aging brain.

Emitech – Transforming the opioid testing industry with a supremely convenient, sensitive, and cost-effective test.

Aged Diagnostics – Pioneering the first accurate blood test for liver disease.

Trivoke Therapeutics – Engaging innate and adaptive immunity for immediate tumor control and lasting cancer defense.

PendingAI – Designing higher-quality medicines with scalable AI and quantum mechanics.

Stapgen - Pioneering the early detection and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.

UpLevel Foods – Reducing risk and improving health with high functional impact foods.

Unsmudgeable – Green fingerprint-fading eyewear coating for a lifetime of clear vision.

PhagePro – Solving global health disparities by harnessing the therapeutic potential of phages.

Alnivo Therapeutics – Unlocking the therapeutic potential of HSP70 in tissue regeneration and repair.

Otrera Medical – Developing treatments for antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction

After the pitches, Dr. Alex Shlyankevich, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Director of Investor Relations, proudly remarked that Mansfield Bio-Incubator is honored to host such outstanding presenters, emphasizing, “You all will shine at any competition.”

The competition concluded with fierce deliberations by our esteemed panel of judges—Catherine Connelly-Perry, Eugene Buff, Mark Norige; Danielle O’Neal; Pamela Lynch resulting in these well-deserved awards:

• 1st Place: Aged Diagnostics ($12K cash + 10 months of lab space).

• 2nd Place: Neuronity Therapeutics ($8K cash + 6 months of lab space).

• 3rd Place (Tie): Unsmudgeable and Emitech ($4K cash + 4 months of lab space).

• Audience Choice Award: Otrera Medical.



A Celebration of Mentorship

During the event, Dr. Julia Rashba-Step, Director of Mentorship at Mansfield Bio-Incubator, led a heartfelt graduation ceremony for the Fall 2024 Mentoring Cohort, featuring PendingAI, Trivoke Therapeutics, and Otrera Medical—all of whom pitched during the competition. This milestone underscores the value of our mentorship program in accelerating startup growth.



Networking, Lunch, and Facility Tours

While attendees enjoyed lunch, they seized the opportunity to network and explore the cutting-edge facilities that make Mansfield Bio-Incubator a hub for life science innovation. The energy in the room was palpable as connections sparked and collaborations took shape.



A Big Reveal

One of the day’s most exciting moments came with the announcement of the newly created Big Tree Innovation Fund, unveiled by Co-Founder Jeff Berman. This fund will invest up to $2M in promising life science startups, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.



What’s Next?

The momentum doesn’t stop here. Mark your calendars for June 12, 2025, when Mansfield Bio-Incubator will host its next Pitch Competition. In addition, recruitment is underway for the Winter 2025 Mentoring Cohort. If you’re a startup looking for support or an industry leader interested in mentoring, now’s the time to get involved.

Closing Remarks

The day concluded with Dr. Alex Margulis, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Chief Operating Officer, promising continued support for the family of Bio-Incubator companies, adding, “We’re already setting the stage for the next competition.”

A Big Thank You

Special thanks to our incredible sponsors: Baycoast Bank, Sallop Insurance, Lando & Anastasi LLP, Precision Biosystems, and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. We’re also deeply grateful to our mentors, speakers, judges, and the entire Mansfield community for their contributions.

Ready to join the action? Whether you’re a startup, sponsor, or mentor, Mansfield Bio-Incubator welcomes you. Contact Dr. Alex Margulis at alex.margulis@bioinc.org or (888) 490-4443 x4 to learn more, schedule a tour, or get involved.

Together, let’s continue fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences!

Mansfield Bio-Incubator Unveils Contestants for $80K Pitch Competition on December 5, 2024

MANSFIELD, MA – November 18, 2024 – Mansfield Bio-Incubator proudly announces the Second Mansfield Pitch Competition line-up, offering $80,000 in prizes. The competition is set to take place on December 5, 2024.

The event will feature 11 companies, all members of Mansfield Bio-Incubator, across various sectors:

Therapeutics:

· Neuronity Therapeutics – Revolutionizing neurological disorder treatment by restoring the immune system in the aging brain.

· PhagePro – Solving global health disparities by harnessing the therapeutic potential of phages.

· Otrera Medical – Pioneering treatment for female sexual dysfunction caused by anti-depressants.

· Pending AI – Advancing medicine design with scalable AI and quantum mechanics.

· Trivoke Therapeutics – Harnessing innate and adaptive immunity for immediate tumor control and lasting cancer defense.

· Alnivo Therapeutics – Unlocking Heat Shock Protein 70 potential for tissue regeneration and repair.

Diagnostics:

· Aged Diagnostics – Delivering the first accurate blood test for liver disease.

· Emitech – Revolutionizing opioid testing with a supremely convenient, sensitive, and cost-effective method.

· Stapgen – Pioneering the early detection and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.

Advanced Materials for Healthcare

· Unsmudgeable – Fingerprint-fading eyewear coating for a lifetime of clear vision.

Functional Foods:

· UpLevel Foods – Preventing common chronic diseases with patented dietary breakthroughs.

Six competitors are graduates of the Mansfield Mentoring Program, which provides tailored guidance and support to member companies across all areas of expertise. This program exemplifies the benefits of membership at Mansfield Bio-Incubator, equipping startups with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive life sciences industry.

“The breadth of disciplines represented in this competition, combined with the international reach of the participating companies, including those from as far as Australia, showcases the successful growth of our life science ecosystem,” said Russ Yukhananov, President of Mansfield Bio-Incubator. “The event provides a unique platform for emerging companies to gain exposure, expand their networks, receive mentorship, and secure funding to advance their groundbreaking solutions.”

For more information, contact Alex Shlyankevich, Director of Investments, at alexsh@bioinc.org.

Register to attend

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About Mansfield Bio-Incubator Through its ecosystem activities, Mansfield Bio-Incubator provides comprehensive support to early-stage life science companies, including mentoring programs, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, investor exposure, MassBio/MassMEDIC memberships, and state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. Its mission is to foster innovation in healthcare by helping startups navigate growth and development challenges.

For media inquiries, please contact: info@bioinc.org

Mansfield Bio-Incubator, 241 Francis Ave, Mansfield, MA 02048

Mansfield Bio-Incubator Allowed for the Collaboration between 3Daughters’ Marketing Coordinator, Georgina Miles, and Intern, Pamela Nelson, This Past Summer.

My name is Pam Nelson and I am a senior at UCLA studying biology. Originally from Foxboro, Massachusetts, I became 3Daughters’ intern in July. I’m very interested in biotech, but wanted to confirm my interest in the field, prompting me to search for a summer internship. Being just 10 minutes away from my house, I thought it would be perfect if I could find a biotech internship at the Bio-Incubator in Mansfield. While browsing the companies at Mansfield Bio-Incubator, I was immediately drawn to 3Daughters. Being a young female, IUD user, and one of 3 daughters myself, I was very excited by the product and its potential - I wanted to become involved in any way I could. After calls with some of the 3Daughters team members, I learned that the 3Daughters team didn’t actually work day-to-day in Mansfield; in fact, everyone worked remotely. However, Mary Beth Cicero, 3Daughters CEO, thought it would be really beneficial for Georgina Miles, Marketing Coordinator, and I to collaborate in person for the summer after taking me on as an intern. She arranged for us to have desks at the Bio-Incubator, where we began meeting every Tuesday and Thursday. The space was perfect for us—equipped with soundproof conference rooms for team calls, quiet areas for focused work, a ping pong table for breaks, and a coffee station that was definitely put to good use. I enjoyed coming into work in Mansfield. The people from other companies that I met were always respectful, and Alex and/or Russ were often there to check in and answer my questions or help with things such as printing. Now, I am back at UCLA and continuing my work with 3Daughters remotely, but reflect fondly on my time at the Mansfield Bio-Incubator and having the privilege of collaborating with Georgina in person throughout the summer. It helped foster my passion and interest in biotech and women’s health specifically, and I am more excited than ever about the future of 3Daughters. Thank you to the Mansfield Bio-Incubator for being such a staple part of this experience!

Additionally, 3Daughters really enjoyed attending and presenting at the Bio-Incubator’s pitch competition back in May. Photos from the competition are attached below.

Mary Beth Cicero, 3Daughters’ CEO, is accepting the Inaugural Pitch Compeition Prize on M ay 21, 2024

Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Inaugural Pitch Competition Participants, May 21, 2024

3Daughters, the Winner of Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Inaugural Pitch Competition and Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Team

Mansfield BioIncubator Announces the Second $80K Mansfield Pitch Competition on December 5, 2024

MANSFIELD, MA – October 23, 2024 – Mansfield BioIncubator is thrilled to announce the Second Mansfield Pitch Competition, set for December 5, 2024. Following the momentum of the inaugural $40,000 competition, this event raises the stakes, offering $80,000 in prizes to the most innovative life science startups demonstrating the strongest business potential.

The competition will feature up to 12 startups, members companies from Mansfield BioIncubator, (the lineup will be announced soon) across various sectors, including therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and other life science industries. Competitors will deliver either a 5-minute presentation or a poster presentation. The event will offer an exceptional platform for emerging companies to gain exposure, receive mentorship, and secure essential funding to advance their groundbreaking solutions.

The prize package includes cash awards and lab space for the top contestants. The first-place winner will receive $37K ($12K cash + 10 months of lab space), second place will receive $23K ($8K cash + 6 months of lab space), and third place will win $14K ($4K cash + 4 months of lab space). Additional special prizes will be revealed closer to the event.

“We’re building on the resounding success of the First Mansfield Pitch Competition,” said Russ Yukhananov, President of Mansfield BioIncubator, “and are excited to establish a long-standing series of pitch competitions. These events will serve as a gateway to Mansfield BioIncubator’s vibrant and expanding life science ecosystem, connecting startups with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.”

For more information or to apply, contact Alex Shlyankevich, Director of Investments, at alexsh@bioinc.org.

About Mansfield BioIncubator

Through its ecosystem activities, Mansfield BioIncubator provides comprehensive support to early-stage life science companies, including mentoring programs, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, investor exposure, MassBio/MassMEDIC memberships, and state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. Its mission is to foster innovation in healthcare by helping startups navigate growth and development challenges.

For media inquiries, please contact:
info@bioinc.org

Mansfield BioIncubator, 241 Francis Ave Mansfield, MA 02048

Mansfield Bio-Incubator Added a Flow Cytometer and an Atomic Force Microscope as Shared Equipment.

MANSFIELD (MA) - Mansfield Bio-Incubator is proud to announce the addition of two sought-after high-end pieces of equipment to enhance the incubator’s ability to support early-stage companies.

Attune Nxt flow cytometer from Thermo Fisher allows the scientists to analyze the cells using 4 spatially-separated lasers and 14 fluorescence detectors. Acoustic focusing technology  enables sample flow rates up, to ~10x times faster than traditional cytometers, without compromising data integrity. On July 16, specalists from Thermo Fisher conducted training for future end-users of the instrument.

Attune NxT end-user training at Mansfield Bio-Incubator.

DriveAFM Atomic Force microscope allows the scientists to explore a variety of phenomena in different domains. The applications include the visualization of DNA double helix, or viral capsid structure, observe the complex patterns of 2D materials and their atomic structure, and measure the electronic properties of semiconductors with high precision. In this way, companies working on the variety of projects such as nanomaterials, coatings, cell and gene therapy, and biomaterials to name a few, will have an indispensable tool to move their projects faster. The instrument was installed and is now fully operational.

DriveAFM End-user training at Mansfield Bio-Incubator.

The acquisition of both instruments was made possible through the generous $800K grant from Healey-Driscoll Administration and will further accelerate the growth of the emerging life science ecosystem in Southeastern Massachusetts. Along with generously funded mentoring program, semi-annual pitch competittion, and a state-of-the art facility, Mansfield Bio-Incubator offers the benefits of the top-ranked Massachusetts life science ecosystem within 1 hour from Boston/Cambridge. To schedule a tour, explore the membership options, or apply for membership, please contact alex.margulis@bioinc.org.

Mansfield Bio-Incubator's Inaugural Pitch Competition on May 21, 2024.

MANSFIELD, MA-Last week, on May 21, 2024, Mansfield Bio-Incubator held the inaugural $20K Pitch Competition Challenge where thirteen (13) life science startups presented 5-minute pitches describing their innovative products. Over 100 people attended the event.

Russ Yukhananov, PhD, MBA, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s President, started the program by thanking the innovators for personal and financial sacrifices they make to develop their breakthrough products followed by Christopher McDermott, Economic Development Manager for Town of Mansfield and Massachusetts House Representative Jay Barrows (R) from the 1st Bristol District. The two speakers emphasized the benefits that Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s ecosystem brings to the community and how Mansfield Bio-Incubator is following the innovation traditions of Mansfield’s Lowney Chocolate Factory from the late 1800s. Finally, Sarah Stanton, the Undersecretary of Economic Strategies from Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of the innovation clusters throughout the state, such as Mansfield Bio-Incubator, in helping the state “lengthen the lead” in life sciences. Furthermore, she noted that the upcoming life science initiative reauthorization would put more emphasis on the life science and cleantech sectors’ economy outside of Boston and Cambridge, which is music to our ears.

After the opening portion, Alex Shlyankevich, PhD, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Director of Investor Relations, described the rules of the pitch competition. Following his remarks, the first six (6) startups presented their work. Ananya Zutshi from Guardian Bio started this portion of the event by describing a dendritic cell therapy for solid tumors with the first clinical trial planned in melanoma. Zev Gechtman, PhD from Manhattan BioSolutions delivered the presentation about the precision biologics that harness the power of host defense adaptations to transform cancer treatment paradigms. Joon Lee, PhD from Neuronity Therapeutics presented a project for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease by restoring a healthy immune system in the aging brain. Ganesh Iyer, PhD, CEO of Opprtna Therapeutics described their precision aptamer as a new therapeutics modality. David Francis, PhD from Palate Therapeutics described the new approach to combat the diabetes and obesity epidemic by targeting taste buds. Finally, Mario DiPaola, PhD from Therabene presented the development of highly targeted PROTAC molecules towards the therapies for the cure of hard-to-treat lung, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Following the six presentations, Julia Rashba-Step, PhD, Director of Mentorship at Mansfield Bio-Incubator, presided over the graduation ceremony for the Spring 2024 Mentoring cohort consisting of three companies: Neuronity Therapeutics, Unsmudgeable, and Emitech along with the mentors Craig Sorensen, PhD, Cindy Benod, PhD, MBA, Edward Berger, John Tagliamonte, PhD. All three companies presented at the pitch competition. At the same time, the lunch was served while attendees had a chance to network and tour the facility.

The presentations resumed after lunch starting with Askar Kuchumov, PhD from 100XBIO, a company developing an automated platform for multiplex T-cell analysis as relevant to a large market of T-cell-based therapeutics. Following Dr. Kuchumov, Mary Beth Cicero, MBA from 3Daughters presented a novel intrauterine device (IUD) that addresses the neglected problem of IUD insertion pain. After 3Daughters’ presentation, Ben Lerman from DINYA DNA described a novel method to speed up the gene synthesis. Next, Mauricio Geleilate, PhD presented Emitech’ s nanochip to detect the narcotics such as fentanyl, a scourge affecting large portions of our society. After that, Ethan Damiani discussed Lilypad Health’s easy-to use at-home non-invasive menstrual blood screening tool that could be used to detect gynecological diseases and biomarkers such as HPV, STDs, and fertility hormones and thus catch these disorders at an earlier stage. Hailing from Montana, Elizabeth Corbin, PhD shared PurCell Bio’s approach to standardizing cell culture by developing animal-free cell culture media systems to meet the evolving needs of advanced biotechnologies such as stem cells and 3D culture. Swarna Shiv wrapped up the presentations by describing Unsmudgeable’s green permanent anti-smudge lens coating for a lifetime of clear vision that improves safety, productivity, and comfort.

The judges Eugene Buff, MD, PhD, Mark Norige, MBA, Ipsita Roymoulik PhD, Robert Gottlieb, John Harre, JD, Luke Diehl, Catherine Connelly-Perry, MBA, Dave Hall, and Chris Otey, PhD, MBA, deliberated for more than 30-minutes. 3Daughters was announced as the winner of the $20K prize. Guardian Bio came in second, winning the $12K award. The third-place $8K award went to DINYA DNA.

Dr. Alex Margulis, Mansfield Bio-Incubator’ s Chief Operating Officer, delivered the concluding remarks.

We are grateful to our sponsors Baycoast Bank, Massachusetts Life Science Center, and CuriRx, mentors, speakers, and judges for their generous support. Mansfield Bio-Incubator is already planning the next pitch competition in November/December, recruiting the startup companies and mentors for the Fall 2024 mentoring cohort, and is always looking for more startups, sponsors, and partners. For more information and to schedule a tour of the incubator, please contact Dr. Alex Margulis alex.margulis@bioinc.org or (888) 490-4443.

Mansfield Bio-Incubator Welcomes PurCell Bio as a New Member

MANSFIELD, MA, April 18, 2024 - We are thrilled to announce that PurCell Bio, Inc. has officially become one of the esteemed biotechnology tenants at Mansfield Bio-Incubator.

Dr. Elizabeth Corbin, PurCell Bio’s CEO, conveyed her excitement, affirming that Mansfield provides the ideal setting for PurCell's groundbreaking environmentally friendly, chemically-defined, and animal origin-free Cell Culture Media Systems, positioning us at the forefront of biotechnology. “Mansfield Bio-Incubator is ideally located to serve the needs of PurCell Bio as we introduce our products to the vitally important biotech hub located in the Boston area. Additionally, the Mansfield management has developed a very flexible format for memberships that grow with the business, and actively supports and promotes its members beyond space and equipment needs to include exposure to investors, workshops on opportunities as they emerge, and cooperation between member companies. They have provided us with a home in the center of the biotech universe, and local knowledge of that amazing landscape and its potential in advancing PurCell Bio’s tools and the advances that they can support to come to the clinic, to the manufacturing bench, and even to the table! "

Henry Lisoukov, PurCell Bio’s Business Development Director, shared his thoughts on this significant milestone: "PurCell Bio was eager to expand its domestic presence on the East Coast of the USA. With Massachusetts being a global Life Science Hub, Mansfield Bio-Incubator emerged as the perfect choice for our future endeavors. Its strategic location offers easy access to key accounts in Cambridge, Boston, Worcester, and Providence. Additionally, proximity to major highways such as Interstate 95, Highways 93 & 495, and the Mass Pike allows seamless travel to various parts of Massachusetts and neighboring states. We are excited to extend our operations in this vibrant state, where our serum-free and animal-origin free cell culture systems can revolutionize drug discovery and research & development projects across diverse companies and organizations."

About PurCell Bio, Inc.

PurCell Bio is a dynamic startup specializing in revolutionary products designed to replace Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) in various cell culture applications. We take pride in offering environmentally friendly, chemically-defined, and animal origin-free Cell Culture Media Systems that surpass the performance of FBS. Our products find applications in Stem Cells Therapy, Regenerative Medicine, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy, Tissue Engineering, 3D & 4D Bioprinting, Stem Cells Reprogramming, Organoids & Spheroids, Lab-Grown Meat, and many other fields.

Connect with Us!

PurCell Bio, Inc. - Bozeman, MT

770 Osterman Drive, Unit B,

Bozeman, MT 59715.

Website: www.purcell-bio.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purcell-bio/

Local MT Contact:

Kris Veltkamp

CFO

kveltkamp@purcell-bio.com

Business: (406) 206-3004

Cell: (406) 580-2749

Email: kveltkamp@purcell-bio.com

PurCell Bio, Inc. - Mansfield, MA

241 Francis Avenue,

Mansfield, MA 02048

Local MA Contact:

Henry Lisoukov, MBA

Director of Business Development

Business: (406) 206-3004

Cell: (508) 840-9269

Email: hlisoukov@purcell-bio.com

Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Best Regards,

PurCell Bio, Inc.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $800K for Biomanufacturing in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Grant to Mansfield Bio-Incubator Will Accelerate Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Expand Workforce Development in an Underserved Region of the State

February 14, 2024

Source: Innovation Institute at MassTech

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $800,000 to bolster the biomanufacturing sector in Southeastern Massachusetts through a new grant to the Mansfield Bio-Incubator, a regional biotech and life sciences incubator that assists local entrepreneurs and startups to accelerate their projects, attract new talent, provide training, and boost capital investment.

The new, two-year grant from the Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Award grant program, managed by the Innovation Institute at the Mass Tech Collaborative, will help Mansfield Bio-Incubator support growing companies working to innovate in cell and gene therapy, and 3D culture technology. The capital investment will allow the facility to purchase new equipment to boost biomanufacturing in the region, helping respond to increased demand from the Bio-Incubator's existing members and to scale-up support for new entrepreneurs in Southeastern Massachusetts. In turn, this will drive increased economic growth and boost workforce training activities in an underserved region with a diverse population.

“Biomanufacturing has the potential to make Massachusetts more sustainable while at the same time meeting our production needs, workforce demands and business development goals,” said Governor Healey. “It has an important role to play in our national defense and drug manufacturing, and in securing the health and safety of our residents. We want to congratulate the Mansfield Bio-Incubator for their hard work to address these priorities by leveraging the incredible talent of Southeastern Massachusetts and helping us lead the nation in this emerging sector.”

“Communities across the state should have access to the resources needed to become the future centers of biotech, biomanufacturing, and life sciences,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This strategic grant to the Mansfield Bio-Incubator will draw investments, small businesses, and new workforce opportunities to grow the sector in the region. As a result, we can build more a more dynamic ecosystem and increase the innovative potential for companies in the Southeast.”

“By boosting this growing regional biomanufacturing hub, the state is investing in R&D technologies that will foster the growth of more innovative companies advancing human health within the state,” said Secretary Yvonne Hao of the Executive Office of Economic Development. “Through this grant, we can ensure that biomanufacturing firms specializing in regenerative medicine, biomedical engineering, and cell therapy can expand their production to meet demand, discover new breakthroughs, and maintain international competitiveness.”

Mansfield Bio-Incubator is supported by two principal partners on the project, Wheaton College in Norton, who will help develop experiential learning opportunities for students and The Capital Network in Cambridge, who will help improve access to venture funding. The incubator will drive economic growth and increase competition in biomanufacturing, allowing the Mansfield Bio-Incubator to accelerate the maturation of a cell and gene therapy and 3D culture hub in Southeastern Massachusetts.

“Given this sector’s novel approach to assembling the elements that drive our economy, we are proud to support the Mansfield Bio-Incubator, this world-class cluster, and the economic competitiveness of Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Pat Larkin, Director of the Innovation Institute at MassTech. “We congratulate the Bio-Incubator on their efforts to grow startups, workforce development opportunities, and the necessary scaffolding to grow biomanufacturing across this region.”

“The role of life sciences in both the well-being of humanity as a whole and the economic development will only increase in the coming years,” said Alexander Margulis, Chief Operating Officer of Mansfield Bio-Incubator. “With Massachusetts being at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, more mini clusters across the state will cement the Commonwealth’s lofty status as a life science mecca. The partnerships, such as one between MassTech Collaborative and Mansfield Bio-Incubator, are critical for implementing this vision.”

At the national level, the Biden-Harris administration has targeted biomanufacturing for expanded development and has recommended making an increased investment in the field, given its importance to increased drug development, expanded supply chains, and national security.

“The work that the Mansfield Bio-Incubator is doing to increase the scope and quality of experiential learning opportunities for college students such as Allison Darling of North Attleboro, who has trained at Phenomenex and EverCell Bio, exemplifies the best of industry-academia collaboration, and will help to ensure the development of Southeastern Massachusetts as an up-and-coming player in the biomanufacturing and life sciences sectors,” said Imran Chowdhury, a member of the Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s Advisory Board and Dean of the Ketner School of Business at Catawba College in North Carolina. 

The Mansfield Bio-Incubator estimates that it will take four years to incubate 15 new companies, which will create 30 jobs and lead to the training of 50 interns to boost the talent pool for biomanufacturing. The facility also anticipates that increased momentum around biomanufacturing in Southeastern Massachusetts could lead to larger companies moving to the area to expand the sector. These funds will also enable them to support future industrial biomanufacturing cluster development and continued support of the diverse population they serve, including 10 female founders and a fledgling femtech cluster comprised focused on women’s health products or services.

"Bio-incubators, such as the Mansfield Bio-Incubator, are instrumental in the success of Massachusetts' larger life sciences sector by serving as a regional hub for world-class innovation and growth through the creation of well-paying, skilled jobs that strengthen the Commonwealth's competitive edge in the marketplace,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “I am thrilled with the announcement of an additional $800,000 in funding to the Mansfield Bio-Incubator to continue bringing new ideas to the market that have the potential to make lives better and fuel the region's flourishing biotech and life sciences industries. Massachusetts is a world leader in this sector, and with the incredible work being done at the Mansfield Bio-Incubator, we are showing that our region can be a hub for innovators. I commend the Mansfield Bio-Incubator for serving as an example of excellence for all Massachusetts bio-incubators, and I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MassTech Collaborative for recognizing and investing in this tremendous local asset.”

“Massachusetts is #1 in many things, therefore it is paramount that we be #1 in workforce development,” said Representative Adam Scanlon of the 14th Bristol District. “I’m excited to hear that this grant will help leverage opportunities to create jobs for all people in our region within the STEM field. We must continue to support organizations like Mansfield Bio so that we can set the example as the state with the fastest growing and most diverse workforce. Our local businesses are what embodies the fabric of innovation in Massachusetts.”

“I am so proud of the continued success of Mansfield Bio and the local partnership with Wheaton College, a win-win,” said Representative Jay Barrows of the 1st Bristol district, who represents the town of Mansfield.

“We are thrilled that the support needed to grow and accelerate cell and gene therapy has been awarded to Mansfield Bio-Incubator in order to further their great work."  said Kevin Dumas, Town Manager of Mansfield. "It is the collaboration with our partners in government along with other public and private sectors that make life sciences in Massachusetts thrive.  Mansfield remains committed to growing this important sector in the Southeast Region of the State and is glad to get behind and support this important initiative.”

The Tech and Innovation Ecosystem grant program seeks to strengthen the technology and innovation ecosystem in regions across the Commonwealth through support for projects or initiatives that contribute to a competitive advantage for existing and emerging industry clusters across Massachusetts. The program aims to improve conditions overall for job growth, drive business expansion and new business formation, and impact other indicators of growth in the innovation economy such as capital formation, increased export products and services, improved labor pools, and increased wages.

To date, the program has invested nearly $12 million in six projects located across the state, focused on diverse sectors such as autonomous vehicles, blockchain, blue tech, fintech, and robotics.

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About the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

The MassTech Collaborative is a quasi-public economic development agency that strengthens the competitiveness of the tech and innovation economy by driving strategic investments, partnerships, and insights that harness the talent of Massachusetts.  The Innovation Institute is the division of MassTech that advances its core mission of innovation and cluster growth across the Commonwealth.  Created in 2003, the Innovation Institute intervenes in the economy in the following four ways:

  • Conducts research and analysis that improves the state’s understandings of unmet needs and opportunities in the innovation economy;

  • Serves as convener and key strategic broker on the landscape;

  • Manages high-value projects on behalf of the Commonwealth; and

  • Makes strategic investments in support of innovation-based economic development.

For more information, visit https://innovation.masstech.org/.  

Mansfield Bio-Incubator Expanded The Leadership Team

MANSFIELD (MA) To expand Mansfield BioIncubator role as ecosystem hub supporting the development of the biotech industry in Southeastern Massachusetts, Mansfield Bio-Incubator added two pharma veterans to the team. Julia Rashba-Step, PhD and Alex Shlyankevich, PhD will serve as a Mentorship Director and Investment Relations Director respectively.

Dr. Julia Rashba-Step is a senior pharmaceutical professional with an extensive background in nanotechnology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Julia has experience working at both small companies (Epic Therapeutics) and global pharmaceutical companies including Baxter, Wyeth and Pfizer, where she held positions of growing responsibilities, leading formulation, packaging and delivery groups Julia's most recent position was a Vice President of Research & Development and Alliance Management at Phosphorex where she worked closely with Pharma and Biotech partners to help advance cutting edge innovative technologies into the critical pre-clinical and clinical stage programs. Dr Rashba-Step has multiple scientific publications in the field, as well as patents and and serves on multiple Advisory Boards. Julia is passionate about mentoring and coaching as the way of giving back to the community. Julia was a Co-chair of Women’s leadership Network at Pfizer, served as a Mentor for HBA (Healthcare Business Women’s association. Julia received a Life coach certification with the focus on career development coaching. Julia served as a mentor for MassBio Connect program, helping biotech startups to develop their business cases.

Over the course of his 25-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Alex Shlyankevich has contributed to numerous drug discovery, development and commercialization programs in technical and leadership roles. As Director of mRNA Preclinical Testing at Moderna, he established and led a department responsible for evaluating mRNA therapeutic and vaccine candidates during the company’s formative period. In his role as Senior Director of Analytical R&D at Nitto-Denco, Alex managed contract services for the global oligonucleotide-based therapeutics industry. Building on his industry expertise, Alex has dedicated the last 9 years to creating and managing a life science investment portfolio for the VC arm of an international family office, resulting in a number of exits via acquisitions and IPOs. Dr. Shlyankevich currently serves on the board of four therapeutic and medical device companies. Alex holds an MS and PhD from the First Moscow State Medical University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Julia and Alex to our leadership team. Their expertise and dedication will help us achieve our goal of providing superior mentoring to startups and creating new companies," said Dr. Russ Yukhananov, President of Mansfield Bio-Incubator, "We look forward to working with Julia and Alex to build a world-class life sciences ecosystem in the region.”

Mansfield Bio-Incubator is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2024 Mentoring Program cohort and for the $20K Pitching Competition Challenge on May 21, at no cost to the startup company.

The Mentoring Program is a 6-week program tailored to a given company’s individual needs, with the end goal to create a compelling pitch deck. The company then has a chance to practice pitching in front of the key stakeholders, with the initial $20K Challenge taking place on May 21, 2024.

Apply here.

3Daughters Successfully Closes Over $2 million in First Tranche of Seed Financing Round

Funding will accelerate development of a Novel IUD for contraception for IND filing in 2024

January 22, 2024 08:00 ET| Source: 3Daughters

MANSFIELD, Mass., Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3Daughters, a clinical development company fueling evolutionary healthcare for women, announces closing of the first tranche in excess of $2 million in a Seed Round. This round was led by Thairm Bio, with a group of life science investors, and joined by the Argosy Foundation, Wexford Science and Technology, LLC, UMass Amherst, and other undisclosed investors. The financing signifies a pivotal milestone in the company’s mission to innovate for women with the development of a game-changing IUD (intrauterine device) for contraception to address insertion pain, a major barrier to adoption.

3Daughters has a unique and frameless delivery platform, based on physics and geometry, for targeted therapy directly into the uterus. 3D-001, a novel IUD containing copper, a proven spermicide for contraception, is the first product resulting from the technology. Combined with a novel and patented i-Slider™ for insertion and r-Slider™, a simple magnetic retriever, 3Daughters will be eliminating a number of pain points that keep women from getting one of the most effective forms of birth control. Proceeds from the funding will be used to advance the Company’s lead IUD asset, 3D-001, through an IND filing followed by a Phase 1 clinical trial this year.

Mary Beth Cicero, Co-Founder and CEO of 3Daughters, commented, “We are thrilled to have garnered such strong support from our existing and new investors, all of whom share our vision of solving health issues for women. This investment marks the next chapter for 3Daughters and allows us to execute our streamlined development plans to move into the clinic. With this funding, we are getting closer to our promise to address significant and neglected issues, like IUD insertion pain, that women have been putting up with for over 50 years.”

“The lack of innovation in women’s health and the significant need 3Daughters is addressing drew me to this investment. It is clear that women’s health gets overlooked from an investment perspective and I want to be a part in changing that dynamic,” commented Mark Bamforth, Thairm Bio. “Given the apparent urgency for new and effective contraceptive options and the pain women experience with IUDs, I recognized the need and formed an investment vehicle with my colleagues to help fund this important innovation for women.”

Emily Van Dunk, Executive Director of the Argosy Foundation, stated, “Supporting 3Daughters aligns with our vision of empowering people and making a positive impact on communities globally. The recent changes in reproductive rights have strengthened our resolve to continue funding access to contraceptives, and we continue to support advancing women’s health with our investment in 3Daughters. We believe in the transformative potential of the 3Daughters novel IUD to make a significant impact for women.” The Argosy Foundation is a private family foundation founded in 1997 by John Abele, Founding Chairman of Boston Scientific.

“Wexford SciTech Fund is focused on investing in early seed opportunities in life sciences. We were attracted by the innovative technology of a frameless uterine delivery platform and the significant market need of addressing IUD insertion pain,” commented Thomas Osha, Executive Vice President, Wexford Science & Technology, LLC. “3Daughters has an outstanding Scientific Advisory Board and through this partnership, we will provide access to Wexford’s substantial network of university talent, industry experts, and strategic partners, as well as resources to help them scale and grow even faster. The 3Daughters team’s commitment to innovation for women, solid operational, scientific, and executive leadership, and, most importantly, the potential for positive impact on women’s health make this investment an exciting venture for us.”

“We aim to bring in an additional $1M to close the planned $3M seed financing round by the first quarter of 2024,” stated Mary Beth Cicero, Co-Founder and CEO of 3Daughters, and Shelley Amster, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer.

About 3Daughters™

3Daughters is a clinical development company focused on evolutionary healthcare for women where attention is desperately needed for cutting-edge research and innovation. The Company’s first product, (3D-001), is a frameless, magnetic, nonhormonal intrauterine device (IUD) for long-acting contraception that conforms to a woman’s body and is combined with our unique, patented Slider™ system (insertion/ retrieval) designed for easy and less painful insertion and retrieval. 3Daughters’ vision is to solve health issues for women, particularly significant (neglected) problems. 3Daughters plans to radically transform the IUD market by eliminating the major adoption barrier — insertion pain. This pain is associated with all current rigid, plastic T-shape framed IUDs on the market and prevents women from selecting one of the most effective forms of birth control. Visit 3daughtershealth.com for more information.

Contact:

Mary Beth Cicero
info@3Daughtershealth.com