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Before you begin, just a few words about MassCONNECT...

As you go through the application, you will see the term "technology" used rather generically.  In general, technology "does things" - as opposed to science which is knowledge gained from a methodology - and as such, technology as used in the applications includes any therapeutic, diagnostic, platform, software, medical device (and hence, does something); and, the term will be used for the sake of convenience.

A note about confidentiality

Please note, submit only non-confidential information or information that is in the public domain, whether through peer reviewed publications, published patent applications, issued patents, and published posters.  All the mentors and reviewers in the MassCONNECT program are volunteers eager to give back to the biotech ecosystem.  Because they are volunteers, MassBio will not bind them to confidentiality, thought they understand, information should be kept private and not publicly disseminated.

We have been asked why not have reviewers/mentors sign confidentiality agreements with disclosing parties, our answer to that is much like the VCs, if you want our help it is to your benefit tell us as much as you can without jeopardizing your proprietary rights.  Proprietary information can always be stated in a non-confidential manner (e.g. compound X and process Y).

While we encourage you to come through the MassCONNECT process, please let your technology transfer office know that you plan on disclosing information to MassCONNECT.  That way they can take appropriate measures to secure IP rights if they deem it essential.  As you may know, all technologies funded through government agencies must go through your technology transfer office.

The Submission Form

To submit an application to MassCONNECT, please contact Rakhshita Dhar at rakhshita.dhar@massbio.org or 617-674-5143. She can explain and supply the submission form.

This submission form is intended both to inform us, and guide you on how to think and communicate your opportunity to MassCONNECT and its team of reviewers, mentors and ultimately potential investors. The application will collect relevant business and technology information for the MassCONNECT evaluation group so they can quickly assess your opportunity and determine the level of resources required by business advisory teams (mentors).

In instances where some opportunities are farther along than others, business advisory teams will provide fewer resources in time and effort, since much of the work will have already been done. For example, all that may be needed is an introduction to angel investors, entry into business plan competitions, and presentation to venture capital firms.  Other opportunities will be more inchoate; thus, will require resources from business volunteers who will provide their services and feedback to help you crystallize your opportunity.

We understand you may not have all the answers the queries, but give your best effort.  We have collected very seasoned biotechnology professionals who have been practicing in the industry for over 15 years; they are giving their time to you voluntarily, so please give back in the same spirit and answer questions as completely as you can.  If you don't know how to answer a question, simply indicate so.  In the end, MassCONNECT is here to help you and to be a resource for you.

There are 12 pages to the application.  Please note, not all sections need to be filled out-on average you will only need to complete 6-8 pages.  Depending on your technology opportunity, certain sections can be skipped; see the directions at the top of the section heads.  The sections cover: basic contact information, information about your idea and the market, intellectual property, diagnostics, therapeutics, and technology platforms.

If you have any questions regarding MassCONNECT, the Submission form, or general inquiries, please contact Rakhshita Dhar at rakhshita.dhar@massbio.org or 617-674-5143.

THANK YOU TO MassCONNECT SPONSORS!

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