The Shark Tank-style ‘SVINnovation’ competition is set to return at next week’s Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) annual meeting (19–22 November, Orlando, USA), with available prize money being upped to US$150,000—compared to last year’s US$100,000—for the best pitch.
Taking place from 16:00–17:30 Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday 20 November, the competition will see four neurovascular entrepreneurs present their novel concepts and solutions to a judging panel featuring scientists, venture capitalists and industry leaders.
This year’s panel features Vastrax chief executive officer (CEO) Ryan Bouchard, American Heart Association (AHA) chief science officer for brain health and stroke Mitchell Elkind, Gravity Medical Technology co-founder and chief technology officer Shashvat Desai, and Von Vascular CEO Manning Hanser. The session will be moderated by Motif Neurotech founder Sunil Sheth (University of Texas Health [UTHealth], Houston, USA).
Earlier this week, Hanser announced on LinkedIn that the four finalists set to deliver their rapid-fire pitches during the SVINnovation competition have now been selected.
“The talent this year is off the charts,” he stated. “We received an unprecedented number of high-impact applications from innovators across the neurovascular ecosystem. Narrowing it down was no easy task but, after careful deliberation, we’re thrilled to congratulate the top four finalists who made the cut in one of our most competitive rounds yet. Your groundbreaking ideas have earned the spotlight.”
According to the SVIN, in addition to US$150,000 in cash, complimentary services and mentorship from industry experts—and features in the Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology journal and on the society’s website—for the winning pitch, SVINnovation contestants will receive “invaluable” feedback and guidance from the panel during the competition itself.
“Beyond the pitch, SVINnovation offers practical insights for navigating the path from concept to implementation,” the SVIN notes on its website. “Learn strategies for protecting your intellectual property, gain insights into regulatory pathways and FDA [US Food and Drug Administration] submissions, understand market positioning, and explore the steps to bring your solution to life.”
