Startup Café
If you have a drug or medical device development idea, and are wondering how to advance it further down the translational path towards commercialization and broader clinical use, then come present to the DDRI committee in our Startup Café.
If you would like to present, and discuss your idea with fellow scientist-entrepreneurs over coffee, submit a 1 page description of your drug development project, addressing:
- scientific basis for pursuing this disease intervention
- external validation (grants; papers)
- patent position (if any) on your drug lead
Why do it?
Presenting to the DDRI committee is done for the purpose of giving you helpful feedback on the feasibility of your drug development project – scientifically, but also from a business and legal/patent perspective. We may also be able to connect you to resources and people that can help you advance your project. You will be given advice on next steps, including potential sources of funding (NIH, angel, venture capital). As appropriate, the DDRI can also assist you in advancing and preparing your idea for subsequent presentation to venture capital investors, through its partnership with Bridge to Cures.
After Presenting
After your presentation in the Startup Café, you will receive formal feedback via a review on the following points*:
- Scientific foundation for the proposed intervention
- Clinical utility of the target and approach
- Level of lead molecule optimization (advanced, or early stage)
- Strength of the intellectual property position
- Fundability, from an investor perspective (market size; IP; team; risk; competition; cost)
- Recommended next steps
* Execution of a confidential disclosure agreement can be requested