Networking & Pitch Competition
$125K International Pitch Competition
Date:
6/18/2026 8:00 AM
-
1:30 pm
Location:
10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA 92127
Aquillius Ventures partnered with Big Tree Startup Academy and BioInc to organize the pitch competition you don't want to miss!
This premier life sciences event brings together innovative startups, seasoned investors, and industry leaders for a day of pitching, networking, and collaboration — held in a hybrid format across Aquillius in San Diego, CA and Mansfield Bio-Incubator in Mansfield, MA.
Competing startups will present their breakthrough solutions in human health and environmental sustainability for a chance to win $125,000 in prizes, including cash awards, lab space, and professional services. Attendees can expect two rounds of startup presentations, a unique Reverse Pitch segment where investors pitch to founders, facility tours, mentorship, and ample networking.
Why attend
- Learn about innovations that will revolutionize health
- Explore investment opportunities
- Network with industry veterans and the new generation shaping the future of life sciences
- Showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of professionals and stakeholders
- Visibility within the Big Tree ecosystem and investor community
Why compete
- $125K in Prizes: Cash awards, lab space, and professional services
- Showcase Your Startup: Present your innovative solutions to leading investors and prospective partners
- Mentorship: Receive valuable feedback from judges and mentors to refine your pitch
- Networking: Access our extensive life science ecosystem's network
If you're an investor, please register here: https://www.bigtreeinnovationfund.com/investor-registration
Agenda
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration, Networking, Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Introductory Remarks
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Company Presentations
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Reverse Pitch (Sponsors and Investors)
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Company Presentations
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking, Jury Deliberations
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Awards
Prizes
Prizes
- $10K in office/lab space
- $5,000 Legal Services
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- $5,000 Tax Services
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- Free Investor Readiness Bootcamp - Top 2 Winners
- $4,500 for each scholarship to the Big Tree Investor Readiness bootcamp
- $2,500 USD in-kind services
- Facilitation of a CMC strategy workshop & Up to 80 additional hours of complimentary consulting support through the end of 2026
- Admission to the Femovate portfolio plus $15k in award-winning digital product design.
- Winner will receive a slot in TechCon's Semi-finals 1 of 32) for a chance to present at TechCon in May (1 of 8) with a Grand Proze of $1M Cash funding plus substantial service credits.
- Free sign up for Pitch to Profit, All presenters can be nominated to bypass step one of the 2026 HealthTech Impact Award - HealthTechImpactAward.com
- $20k in office/lab space
- Digital Marketing and Branding Services (worth $5,000)
- $10K in office/lab space
- $10K in office/lab space
- $10,000 office/lab space
- $25k custom UX design package from the largest femtech incubator in the US
- Admission to Maroon Research Institute's Global Longevity Scientific Venture Studio for 6 months and eligible investment of $125k per venture
- $10,000+ in Strategic Go-to-Market Research
- Exploratory biostatistics package: 3 reports
- $10,000+ in Strategic Go-to-Market Engineering
- $4,500 for each scholarship to the Big Tree Investor Readiness bootcamp
- Membership to Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange
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- Winner will receive a slot in TechCon's Quarter-finals for a chance to present at TechCon in May with a Grand Proze of $1M Cash funding plus substantial service credits.
- Regulatory kit and Regulatory strategy consulting (Medical Device only)
- $5,000 of tax services
- $5,000 Legal fees
- Two months campaign on startup program
- 3-day ticket to the upcoming 2025 RESI Conference
- Contingent Permanent Placement ($5,000 off); Retained Search services ($5,000 off)
- $5,000 of tax services
Learn from Subject Matter Experts
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MC/MODERATOR
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STARTUP SHOWCASE
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JUDGES
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Judges
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Sponsors
Startup Market
Catalyst Capital Symposia
IMPACT
Activating Startups
Catalyst Capital Symposia is a platform connecting founders and funders to catalyze innovation.
This monthly forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain valuable insights into emerging sectors and disruptive technologies that have the potential to revolutionize human health, the environment, and society.
Through engaging discussions, informative panels, and interactive workshops, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can learn about essential concepts, strategies, and best practices directly from industry experts.
By engaging the venture and startup ecosystem, the symposia encourages investors to be activists and empower startups with cutting-edge technology.
This monthly forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain valuable insights into emerging sectors and disruptive technologies that have the potential to revolutionize human health, the environment, and society.
Through engaging discussions, informative panels, and interactive workshops, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can learn about essential concepts, strategies, and best practices directly from industry experts.
By engaging the venture and startup ecosystem, the symposia encourages investors to be activists and empower startups with cutting-edge technology.
BECOME AN
INVESTOR-ACTIVIST
INVESTOR-ACTIVIST
Investing in Startups
Stay ahead of the curve by joining us at the Catalyst Capital Symposia, where you can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, spanning various industries, from tech and healthcare to sustainability and beyond.
Join the ranks of investor-activists who not only provide financial backing but also lend their expertise, networks, and influence to nurture startups, catalyzing a collective effort towards a brighter, more innovative future.
Join the ranks of investor-activists who not only provide financial backing but also lend their expertise, networks, and influence to nurture startups, catalyzing a collective effort towards a brighter, more innovative future.
FUNDRAISING
&
RESOURCES
&
RESOURCES
Startups: Apply to Pitch
Are you ready to supercharge your innovative startup? Don't miss this golden opportunity to bring your vision to life!
Pitch your startup to an audience of industry experts, colleagues, and seasoned investors to gain valuable insights and feedback, forge strategic partnerships and connections, secure vital funding for your pioneering project, and elevate your startup to the next level!
Apply to pitch at one of the upcoming symposiums.
Pitch your startup to an audience of industry experts, colleagues, and seasoned investors to gain valuable insights and feedback, forge strategic partnerships and connections, secure vital funding for your pioneering project, and elevate your startup to the next level!
Apply to pitch at one of the upcoming symposiums.
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SPONSOR
Connecting with Potential Customers
Position your organization as a corporate sponsor and connect with a deeply engaged audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
Sponsorship at Catalyst Capital Symposia provides a range of advantages, such as heightened brand visibility, lead generation, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and early access to emerging technologies.
To explore the ways in which your company can benefit from sponsoring our event, reach out to us for more information.
Sponsorship at Catalyst Capital Symposia provides a range of advantages, such as heightened brand visibility, lead generation, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and early access to emerging technologies.
To explore the ways in which your company can benefit from sponsoring our event, reach out to us for more information.
SPONSOR
Be a Champion of Women's Health
Want to make an even bigger impact? Consider becoming a sponsor for Casino Night! As a sponsor, you'll receive prominent recognition at the event, on our marketing materials, and across our digital platforms. Sponsorship packages offer a unique opportunity to align your brand with a cause that resonates with so many.
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