SA Bio Plan FAQ's

Who may participate in the SA Bio Plan Competition

Graduates, Post graduates, Bio-entrepreneurs and Academics in the broader Life Sciences arena, Engineering graduates, Technology Transfer professionals and other individuals with an interest in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology SME who are looking for additional rounds of funding may apply.

Do I have to be a South African?

Entry is limited to South African Residents only.

Can I attend the two day workshop without participating in the competition?

Yes. Attending the 2 day workshop does not oblige you have to participate in the Bio Plan Competition..

Do I apply by submitting a completed Bio (Business) Plan?

No, you apply by completing an application form on the website (deadline 09 April 2010). After reviewing all the applications the judges will invite selected opportunities to the SA Bio Plan Competition and suggest that they form a team if the team does not already exist.

Can I submit an application without being on a team?

Yes. But the applicant must be mindful of that there are limitations to adding on team members after the application has been selected into the SA Bio Plan Process unless the judges recommended it.

Is there a limit on team size?

No. Teams submitting BBio ( Business) Plans can be of any size. Ideally they will be between 2 and 5 team members including the primary contact person.

I am interested in the competition but I do not yet have an opportunity to showcase. What can I do?

Attend the two day introductory workshop in March 2010. At these workshops you will also be better positioned to get an opportunity to interact with the other like minded individuals looking for team members

I have an opportunity, but I need more people on my team. What can I do?

Attend the two day introductory workshop in March 2010 and network with the participants to find additional members/skills. You could also use your personal networks or those of people close to you to find individuals with similar ideas and interests to yours.

Will my opportunity in my Bio plan remain confidential?

All Full Business Plan submissions (submitted after the Executive Education Programme) will remain confidential. All judges and organizers are bound by Non-Disclosure Agreements.

However, your opportunity submission in your application to enter the competition (Deadline 09 April 2010) (i.e. prior to being selected into the SA Bio Plan Competition) maybe published by us in promotional materials or press releases. DO NOT Disclose proprietary information about your idea/opportunity in the above mentioned application form.

What if I don't win?

Regardless of whether or not you win, this program will afford you an opportunity to:

• Work with world class experts in the Life Sciences, Intellectual Property, Business, Bio-Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital fields
• Attend an intense week long Executive Education Course designed and executed by the team from Goizueta Business School from Emory University. This course will help you enhance your basic business knowledge; provide valuable feedback and pointers on your opportunity and assessment thereof by credible international experts.
• Close interaction with international mentors who will assist you in writing your plan and articulating the opportunity favourably.

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