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BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a leading regional innovation intermediary, is thrilled to announce the five outstanding finalists for the 8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap competition. The Crab Trap is a competition designed to identify and showcase promising life sciences and biotechnology startups from around the world. These finalists have demonstrated exceptional innovation, vision, and potential to significantly impact the healthcare industry.

The 8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap finalists are:

1. EyeControl – Tel Aviv, Israel

EyeControl has developed the world’s first AI-based, smart, screenless, and wearable eye-tracking communication solution to address the unmet healthcare needs of patients who cannot speak. Founded in 2016 by individuals with unique personal connections to ALS and Locked-in patients, the company is dedicated to restoring communication needs. To learn more, visit www.eyecontrol.co.il.

1. KaloCyte, Inc. – Baltimore, Maryland

KaloCyte, founded by a distinguished team of researchers in physiology, bioengineering, and trauma care, is set to deliver ErythroMer, a dried, bio-inspired artificial red blood cell, to market. ErythroMer is envisioned for use when stored red blood cells are unavailable, undesirable, or in short supply. KaloCyte is supported by nearly $10 million in federal grants and investor funding. Learn more at www.kalocyte.com.

1. Luminoah – Charlottesville, Virginia

Luminoah is a MedTech company on a mission to revolutionize the enteral feeding market with a wearable system that combines durable medical equipment, consumable nutrition pouches, and remote patient monitoring to optimize compliance and clinical outcomes. Explore their innovation at www.luminoah.com.

1. Mobius Scientific, Inc. – Washington, DC

Mobius Scientific has invented the Mobius Disc, a novel platform biologic optimized for cholesterol removal in tissues. Its initial application is Geographic Atrophy delivered using intravitreal injection. Learn more about their groundbreaking work at www.mobius-scientific.com.

1. Solaxa, Inc. – Bethesda, Maryland

Solaxa is a phase III clinical-ready biopharmaceutical startup dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from nerve damage. They are focused on developing treatments for cerebellar ataxias and nerve injuries caused by chemotherapy and trauma. Find out more at www.solaxa.com.

“These five finalists represent the best of the BioHealth Capital Region and the global life sciences community,” said Richard Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc. “We are excited to see their groundbreaking innovations unfold and the positive impact they will have on healthcare worldwide.”

The judging panel, consisting of esteemed professionals from various sectors of the life sciences and biotechnology industry, includes:

Moderator:

• • Rich Bendis, President & CEO, BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

Judges:

• • Sally Allain, Head, JLabs @ Washington, D.C.
  • Charles Andres, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
  • Conley Jones, Principal- Science & Technology, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc./Alexandria Venture Investments
  • John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association
  • Katherine Hill Ritchie, Senior Director, Venture Funds, TEDCO
  • Derrick Rowe, Of Counsel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
  • Brett Shealy, Executive Director, Life Sciences Banking, J.P. Morgan

The Crab Trap competition will culminate in a final pitch event, where these five startups will compete for prizes and recognition. This event is part of the 2^nd day at the 9^th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum (https://bit.ly/BHCRForum2023) on September 20th, the region’s premier biotech and life sciences leader gathering.

This year’s Crab Trap winner will be eligible for a package of prizes worth more than $50,000. Prizes for the qualifying Crab Trap winner include:

• A $10,000 cash prize from Greenberg Traurig
• A $25,000 cash prize from Montgomery County (for a firm headquartered in Montgomery County)
• A one-year residency at JLABS @ Washington, D.C. (for a firm of their choice)
• $10,000 in Preclinical CRO services from Noble Life Sciences.

For more information about the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap and the upcoming BioHealth Capital Region Forum, please visit www.biohealthcapital.com.