Mansfield Bio-Incubator (BIOINC) Fosters Collaborations between Startups and Colleges-Partnerships in Action

Mansfield, MA (March 31, 2025) — One of the critical missions of startup incubators is to help train the future workforce by providing various experiential learning opportunities. Over the past year Mansfield Bio-Incubator (BIOINC) engaged in two separate partnerships to achieve this goal. First, Northeastern University and the Mansfield BioIncubator (BioInc) partnered to offer the first student co-op at the leading venue for biotechnology and life sciences innovation in southeastern Massachusetts. In addition, two pioneering startups housed at BioInc, Stapgen and UpLevel Foods, are harnessing a strategic partnership with Catawba College's Entrepreneurship Practicum to propel advancements in life sciences and functional foods. These workforce development collaborations equip both startups and higher education institutions with opportunities to enhance their trajectories and to foster innovation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Northeastern University and BioInc

Northeastern University has been running a signature "co-op" program for 115 years. The program offers students full-time, months-long professional work experience and is a key part of the university's experiential learning approach. For the Fall 2024 Semester, Mansfield Bio-Incubator hosted Ms. Linh Dinh, a student working on MS in Project Management at Northeastern University. ”My experience at Mansfield Bio-Incubator greatly expanded my knowledge of the startup world and especially gave me the appreciation of high risks and potentially high rewards associated with the Life Science industry. I am grateful for this opportunity”, said Ms Linh Dinh.

Revolutionizing Diabetes Detection and Nutritional Health

Stapgen, focused on preempting Type 2 Diabetes, has leveraged the collaborative efforts with Catawba College to refine its innovative STAP Test. This diagnostic tool is designed to predict diabetes risk years before clinical symptoms manifest. Dr. Biplab K. Malo, founder of Stapgen, stated, “Working with the bright minds at Catawba College has allowed us to sharpen our go-to-market approach and enhance our diagnostic accuracy.”

UpLevel Foods, creators of nutrient-dense condiments, has similarly benefited from the partnership, gaining deeper insights into consumer behavior and nutritional preferences. “The research conducted by Catawba students has been instrumental in shaping our product development and marketing strategies,” noted Soumya Roy, co-founder of UpLevel Foods. Their products aim to improve consumer health through everyday dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of nutrient enhancement.

Driving Impact Through Academic-Industry Synergy

The collaboration between the Mansfield Bioincubator and Catawba College's Entrepreneurship Practicum involves students working closely with startups to conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and develop actionable strategies. Under the guidance of seasoned entrepreneur and Mansfield Bioincubator Advisory Board Member Pabel Delgado, students gain hands-on experience while providing valuable insights to the startups.

“These collaborations provide both immediate and long-term benefits, creating a dynamic ecosystem where academic rigor meets entrepreneurial spirit,” commented Dr. Rustam (Russ) Yukhananov, President of the Mansfield Bio-incubator. “By combining the energy and creativity of students with the expertise of our startups, we accelerate the pace of life sciences innovation.”

Cultivating Entrepreneurial Talent

Delgado, an Advisory Board Member at the Mansfield Bioincubator and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Catawba College, has been instrumental in shaping this partnership. Drawing from his extensive experience in integrating entrepreneurial learning into academic curricula, including his tenure as Professor of Practice at Wheaton College Massachusetts from 2022 to 2024, Delgado has led several initiatives that connected students with biotech startups, providing hands-on courses and year-long co-operative opportunities in areas such as cell culture and chemical analytics. Through these experiences, he has developed a robust framework for academic-industry collaboration.

“This collaboration isn't just about today's achievements; it's about building a sustainable pipeline of innovation for tomorrow's challenges in life sciences,” said Delgado. “By integrating real-world entrepreneurial challenges into the academic curriculum, we're creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the rigors of the industry while providing startups with fresh perspectives and market insights.”

Future Directions and Continued Collaboration

The success of this partnership highlights the effectiveness of integrating academic resources with industry needs to drive life sciences innovation. Building on this proven model, the Mansfield Bioincubator is poised to launch a comprehensive Biotech Immersion Program in 2025. This intensive, multi-phase initiative will provide students with in-depth exposure to the biotech industry, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on projects at startups like Stapgen and UpLevel Foods. The program aims to further bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering a new generation of life sciences leaders.

As Stapgen and UpLevel Foods continue to grow and innovate, the support and resources provided by the Mansfield Bioincubator and its academic partnerships will remain essential to their success. “The Mansfield Bioincubator and Catawba College have crafted a model for collaboration that has the potential to transform the way we nurture life sciences entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Alexander Margulis, Chief Operating Officer of the Mansfield Bioincubator. “Together, we're breaking down barriers, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in the life sciences industry and beyond.”

About Northeastern University: Northeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and 13 global satellite campuses. With more than 38,000 students, Northeastern is the largest university in Massachusetts by enrollment.

About Stapgen: Stapgen is a biotech and medtech company that aims to transform diabetes management with its STAP Test, capable of detecting Type 2 Diabetes risk years before its onset. Their innovative approach to early detection and management seeks to significantly alter the healthcare landscape.

About UpLevel Foods: UpLevel Foods innovates in the functional foods market by producing nutrient-enhanced condiments designed to boost health and vitality. With each product, UpLevel Foods strives to set a new standard in nutritional value, directly impacting consumer health outcomes.

About Catawba College: Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a nationally recognized private liberal arts college located in Salisbury, North Carolina. Committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience, Catawba blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare graduates to become leaders in their chosen fields.

About the Mansfield Bioincubator: The Mansfield Bioincubator is a catalyst for early-stage life sciences innovation in the greater Boston area. Through its comprehensive suite of lab space, mentorship, and support services, the bioincubator empowers startups to develop groundbreaking solutions that address critical health challenges and improve lives.

For further information or to engage with these initiatives, please contact:

Dr. Alexander Margulis

Chief Operating Officer, Mansfield Bioincubator

(888) 490-4443

alex.margulis@bioinc.org

Mansfield Bio-Incubator (BIOINC) Announces Enrollment for the Third Cohort of the BIOINC Mentoring Program – Spring 2025 

 

MANSFIELD, MA – January 30, 2025 – Mansfield Bio-Incubator (BIOINC) is excited to announce that enrollment is now open for the third cohort of the BIOINC Mentoring Program, set to launch in Spring 2025. Following the success of the two 2024 cohorts—where six companies successfully graduated—this program continues to support the most promising life science startups in advancing their business and technical development. 

As a key benefit of BIOINC’s ecosystem membership, the Mentoring Program provides life science entrepreneurs with personalized guidance from industry veterans, helping them refine their technical expertise and business strategies. Participants will also be able to validate their progress by competing in the BIOINC Pitch Competition, where they can showcase their improved pitch decks and sharpen their investor presentations. Additionally, the program fosters invaluable networking opportunities, connecting participants with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders within BIOINC’s thriving life science community. 

The BIOINC Mentoring Program welcomes applications from startups across various sectors, including therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and other life science industries. Additionally, experienced life science and business professionals are invited to join as mentors, contributing their expertise to shape the next generation of healthcare innovators. 

“We’re building on the momentum from our first two cohorts in 2024,” said Russ Yukhananov, President of BIOINC. “The Mentoring Program is becoming a centerpiece to our mission to support innovation and increase the likelihood of our startups securing funding.” 

For more information or to apply, contact: 
Julia Rashba-Step, Director of Mentorship 

Email: juliars@bioinc.org 

About BIOINC (Mansfield Bio-Incubator)
BIOINC (Mansfield Bio-Incubator) supports early-stage life science companies and commercial firms through a comprehensive ecosystem of services. Offerings include mentoring programs, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, investor access, connections to Massachusetts Life Science Center, MassBio/MassMEDIC memberships, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. Its mission is to drive healthcare innovation by empowering startups and established companies to grow and succeed in the market. 

Media Inquiries: 
Email: info@bioinc.org 
Address: Mansfield Bio-Incubator, 241 Francis Ave, Mansfield, MA 02048 

BIOINC (Mansfield Bio-Incubator) Announces the Third $80K BIOINC Pitch Competition on June 12, 2025

MANSFIELD, MA – January 30, 2025– BIOINC (Mansfield Bio-Incubator) is excited to announce the Third BIOINC Pitch Competition, scheduled for June 12, 2025. Building on the success of the two 2024 competitions, this event will showcase a new cohort of innovative life science startups with exceptional business potential.

The competition invites applications from startups in various sectors, including therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and other life science fields. Participants will present a 5-minute pitch or a poster presentation, leveraging this unique opportunity to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and compete for vital funding to advance their cutting-edge solutions. This event is also a gateway to attracting investors and discovering the benefits of participating in BIOINC’s dynamic life science community.

The $80K prize package includes cash awards and lab space for the top three contestants. Additional special prizes will be announced closer to the event.

“We’re thrilled to continue the momentum from our first two competitions in 2024,” said Russ Yukhananov, President of BIOINC. “Pitch competitions are becoming a cornerstone of our mission to support innovation and connect startups with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals within BIOINC’s growing life science ecosystem.”

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

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About Mansfield BioIncubator BIOINC (Mansfield Bio-Incubator) supports early-stage life science companies and commercial firms through a comprehensive ecosystem of services. Offerings include mentoring programs, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, investor access, connections to massachusetts Life Science Center, MassBio/MassMEDIC memberships, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. Its mission is to drive healthcare innovation by empowering startups and established companies to grow and succeed in the market.

Media Inquiries: Email: info@bioinc.org Address: Mansfield Bio-Incubator, 241 Francis Ave, Mansfield, MA 02048

Aclarity Graduated from Mansfield Bio-Incubator

MANSFIELD, MA - Last month, Aclarity, a leader in PFAS removal, officially completed the move from Mansfield Bio-Incubator to their new headquarters in Medway.  September 2022, the time when Aclarity became Mansfield Bio-Incubator’s member with less than five lab-based employees and taking up a bench in the shared space, seems like yesterday. It’s been fascinating to see the team’s growth in leaps and bounds while raising over $20 million and expanding its footprint in the building. Their infectious energy permeated the entire space during various team-building exercises and other activities.

Aclarity’s Team

“Mansfield Bio-Incubator has been an incredible partner for us. Both Alex Margulis, the COO and Russ Yukhananov, the President, went above and beyond to make sure we had the necessary physical space to accommodate our growing team and the R&D needs, upgrade and store our reactor in our mobile field trailer outside, and connect us with key leaders such as US Representative Jake Auchnicloss (D). Without their support, Aclarity would not have succeeded as fast as it did”, said Julie Bliss Mullen, Aclarity’s Chief Executive Officer.

At Mansfield Bio-Incubator, we are thrilled for Aclarity’s next chapter in their growth and wish them continued success. We currently support over 30 life science startup companies to achieve Aclarity’s success by offering a premier laboratory space. In addition, we offer supportive community, legal and business plan help, connections with investors, highly acclaimed mentor program, and a semi-annual pitch competition, to ensure the companies’ success. For more information on the laboratory space and other services and to become a member, please contact alex.margulis@bioinc.org or (888) 490-4443 x4 or visit our website https://www.bioinc.org.

$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.