OneStart 2015, the world’s largest life sciences and health care startup accelerator program has just rewarded Keregen from the UK with €137.8K (£100K) and Ligadon with €134.6K ($150K) for respectively winning OneStart Europe and OneStart Americas.
So, who is this promising European upcomer? Keregen, based in London, develops first-in-class medicines for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and is particularly focused on Parkinson’s. Originally launched at University College London, judges vouched for Keregen’s molecular technology and its potential to slow and even stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease, whilst simultaneously preserving and promoting the quality and longevity of cells
SR One and the Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable (OBR) have partnered to build a program rewarding innovative young entrepreneurs. The project, initially launched back in 2013, received over 630 candidates for the 2015 edition! The interesting thing about this competition lies in the fact that applicants can not be more than 35 years of age.
Of course, with a significant check at the end of the process, the European and American winners came out happiest. However, each year, the program and its partners also select 70 promising companies to accompany them with extensive mentoring and support, whilst keeping full control and ownership of their business. Advice and tips that seem to pay off! According to OBR’s survey, since the 2013 cycle, 40 companies, having taken the program’s help, raised over €89.7K ($100K).
This program could give a real push to more than one scholar, researcher or start-up… and the dates for the 2016 edition are already available online.