Innovation AveNEW Program Details

Kicking off the calendar year, LabAutomation2009 is the platform event for established companies launching new products and services. Innovation AveNEW is an in-kind, cost-sensitive program affording emerging, start-up companies the opportunity to actively engage and participate in a world-class event which helps to grow and scale their business as well as directly connects them with purchasing influencers and decision-makers from more than 35 countries.

The mission for Innovation AveNEW is simple — offers start-up, entrepreneurial companies in the laboratory automation and technology field a venue for positive, collaborative interaction and exposure for their product and/or service concept. Innovation AveNEW will be located in a specially designated area in the exhibit hall.

Only a select few start-up companies will be chosen for this program each year. Those chosen can only be selected for participation one time. The products and/or services offered must be available for sale/distribution in the year 2009.

Guidelines, Rules and Application Instructions

Relationship
Candidate companies must align in some fashion with the field of laboratory automation and technologies, and while it is not required, an established relationship with a university, bioscience incubator, or research institution is desired.

Process
Candidate applications will be reviewed by the Innovation AveNEW Review Panel comprising:

Andrea Chow, Ph.D., Caliper Life Sciences
Peter Grandsard, Ph.D., Amgen
Jim Sterling, Ph.D., Keck Graduate School of Applied Life Sciences

The Review Panel will evaluate applications for technical merit and commercial feasibility as well as other criteria, inclusive of, but not limited to:

  • Compelling science and technology
  • Clarity of vision and market opportunity (business plan)
  • Strength of management team
  • Impact on the field of laboratory automation and technology

ALA reserves the right to select and deselect any company at any given time. All decisions are final. Companies selected for participation in Innovation AveNEW must agree to and adhere to the following rules and regulations. Companies may only be selected and participate in Innovation AveNEW once.

Privileges
Companies selected to participate in Innovation AveNEW are given the following items at no cost. However, a $500 deposit is required* which will be refunded after the conference minus $120 for ALA membership dues for one individual

  • Kiosk exhibit space on the floor of the LabAutomation2009 Exhibition Hall
    • Counter space for computer and literature, with back wall
    • Promotional ID signage
    • Internet connection, power
    • Fully carpeted, waste basket
  • Travel for (1) Coordinated Through ALA Travel Service Desk
    • Inclusive of coach class air fare or equitable travel needs
  • Lodging for (1) Coordinated Through ALA Travel Service Desk
    • Inclusive of four nights lodging
  • Opportunity to participate in Late Night with LRIG: Rapid-Fire Innovation Session

* Companies selected to participate in Innovation AveNEW are required to submit a refundable $500 deposit to insure participation in program. Refunds will be distributed as received by Monday, March 2, 2009, minus $120 for ALA membership for one individual dues ($380).

Critical Dates*
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Selection Announcement: Friday, November 7, 2008

* Once selected, logistic dates will be supplied.

Questions?:
Amy McGorry
ALA Member Services Manager
amcgorry@labautomation.org
630.208.6830, ext. 221

Application Instructions
All information is confidential and will only be shared among the Review Panel and ALA Directors and Staff. See terms and conditions information.

  • Candidate companies must submit an application for consideration.

  • Up to 750 words, please include an executive summary inclusive of, but not limited to:
    • Business/growth plan
    • Management team, advisors, partners and collaborators
    • Compelling innovation
    • Significant scientific need
    • Market opportunity
    • IP assets pending or secured
    • How is it different from earlier products and competitors' products?
    • Why is it important to laboratory automation?
    • What is list price? (optional)
    • On what date was or will it is commercially available?

  • Complete the application form by the close of business Thursday, October 30, 2008.
    Please send the application and supporting materials to:

    Amy McGorry
    ALA Member Services Manager
    330 West State Street, Suite 1
    Geneva, IL 60134

    Or as a zip file to: amcgorry@labautomation.org

  • Decisions will be made and communicated by Friday, November 7, 2008.

    • The selection process —

      Working from the applications submitted online only, the Innovation AveNEW Review Panel will qualify and select companies for participation. ALA reserves the right to select and deselect any company at any given time. All decisions are final. Decision criteria include, but are not limited to:

      • clarity of vision and market opportunity
      • impact on the field of laboratory automation and technology
      • extraordinary technical originality
      • seminal integration of automation strategies

Subject to change. Rules, regulations and guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the ALA Board of Directors in accordance with bylaws, polices, and procedures.