Biotechnology company wins Big Idea Competition

ExoTech BioScience won the first-place prize of $25,000 at the 2018 Big Idea Gator Business Plan Competition.

Led by CEO Nasser Nassiri Koopaei, the company was established to innovate and deliver products and services based on exosome technology for molecular and cell biology research, therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, particularly cancer. It is focused on the development of a broad pipeline of novel and targeted biomolecules to address different unmet medical needs.

“Winning the Big Idea Competition gives me confidence that I have a viable and sound business plan with remarkable financial support to start the business adventure,” Koopaei said.

The sweet 16 teams presented during Thursday’s semifinal round, and the distinguished panel of entrepreneurial judges narrowed it to four teams. The final four presented on Friday.

All teams that were honored:

First Place ($25,000):  ExoTech Bioscience; Nasser Nassiri Koopaei, Pharmacy

Second Place ($10,000): Simply Ingenious; Adam Silver, Mechanical Engineering

Third Place ($5,000): MycroFarms, David Lee, MBA and Allison Gardner, MBA

Fourth Place ($1,000): Black Mesa Systems, Mijan Ramharrack, Political Science

Best Technology Venture ($1,000) (TIE):   Tess; Piero Faieta and Nic Ruspantini AND Wildcard Audio Enterprises; Chris Timson

Best Social Venture ($1,000): City Smart; Purnendu Mukherjee

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award ($100): Black College Sports Zone; Daniel Johnson

Dreamer and Doer Award ($100): Halo Potato Company; Drew Stuerman