BioCatalyst, hosted by Biotechnology & Bioengineering Club (BioTEC) and Biotechnology Innovation & Development Club (BIDC), is an up-and-coming open-poster style pitch competition scheduled for 2026. We aim to combine the worlds of biology and entrepreneurship to foster the development of future biopreneurs by providing a platform to express their ideas, meet like-minded individuals, and interact with industry professionals.

BioCatalyst is focused on the fields of biotech, medtech and consumer healthcare. The event is open to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students—or recent alumni (within one year). This competition welcomes individuals and teams from all backgrounds. Startups are not required to be university-affiliated to be eligible.

The format of the event will be an open-poster style pitch competition, where pitching teams will present their start-up ideas through a poster presentation (similar to research poster presentations). Participating teams will pitch to a group of rotating judges, each team will have a 5 minute pitching session followed by a 3 minute question and answer session.

Pitching teams may consist of up to 5 members maximum — or you may apply individually. We will provide help in seeking teammates for the competition at request.

We are proud to announce our official partnership with Desjardin Cooperathon for this event. As such all participating teams will receive the chance to participate in the Desjardin Cooperathon 2026 Program free of charge. In addition Top 3 teams of the pitch competition will receive cash price and be able to enrol in the Cooperation Program as finalists. First place team will additionally receive a free train ticket and housing to pitch at the Final Cooperathon Challenge.