Regional Partners Collaborate to Launch Advancing Oncology InnoVAtion QuickFire Challenge

Johnson & Johnson Innovation, in collaboration with Carilion Clinic Innovation, Verge Alliance, and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, is proud to launch the Advancing Oncology InnoVAtion QuickFire Challenge. Innovators from around the globe are invited to submit potential solutions aiming to transform patient outcomes in oncology in adult populations with potential applications in pediatric oncology.

Virginia is home to a growing community of more than 300 life science companies, nurtured by resources from the state and expertise from its many universities and research institutions. In 2022 alone, Virginia’s Higher Education Institutions collectively earned $382M in grant funding across 898 NIH awards.

Leveraging this innovation ecosystem, the Roanoke-Blacksburg region in Virginia is well-positioned to drive significant therapeutic advances for healthcare’s greatest challenges, including within oncology. Cancer was the second leading cause of death among adults in Virginia, claiming the lives of over 15,000 Virginians in 2020. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 47,000 new cancer diagnoses in the state.

At Johnson & Johnson Innovation, it’s our goal to find innovative technologies that aim to deliver new approaches to detect, intercept, and treat diseases like cancer. Through this QuickFire Challenge, we are igniting innovation to transform patient outcomes in oncology not only for patients in Virginia but around the world.

The innovator(s) with the best potential solution can receive grant funding from a total pool of $300,000*, VTCRC residency for one year, which includes one lab bench and workstation, access to the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) network, and mentorship from experts across The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies (Johnson & Johnson).**

*Awardees must have a business footprint within the Roanoke-Blacksburg region of Virginia before receiving a monetary award and remain in the region for two years following receipt of the award

**Subject to the execution of the necessary documentation and (award) agreements

Apply at http://jji.jnj/VA by August 11, 2023.

The QuickFire Challenges are managed by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, with the goal to help address today’s greatest health care challenges.

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