Are you leading an early-stage company with an innovative solution in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, health IT, or other areas of biohealth?

Apply now for the 2025 Crab Trap Competition, returning on September 24 as part of BioHealth Capital Region Week in Rockville, Maryland. This high-energy pitch event puts you in front of a panel of expert judges and an audience filled with investors, strategics, and ecosystem leaders.

What’s at stake? This year’s winner will receive a prize package valued at $45,000:

• $10,000 in cash to help fund your next milestone
• $25,000 in IT and cybersecurity services from InfoPathways, tailored to the specific needs of life science startups
• $10,000 in CRO services from Noble Life Sciences, Inc. and Accelevir Diagnostics, supporting critical research and development efforts

These services are designed to strengthen your infrastructure, validate your science, and help you scale with confidence.

InfoPathways is a cutting-ed technology company providing management and consulting services to help your company grow. They don’t just diagnose technology problems. They solve them. From running cable to C-Suite consulting, They have the experience to understand the challenges that face your business, and the knowledge and expertise to implement the solutions.

https://infopathways.com/

Noble Life Sciences is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides a full continuum of preclinical drug, vaccine and medical device development services, from initial product discovery to GLP-compliant studies. Their services are designed to help you advance from concept to clinic faster and more efficiently. Noble's state-of-the-art facilities are located in Sykesville, MD in the BioHealth Capital Region.

https://noblelifesci.com/

Accelevir Diagnostics is a growing Maryland-based biotechnology company focused on developing innovative assays for ultra-rare analytes in infectious diseases and other fields. With expertise in virology, immunology, and genomics, the team specializes in creating, scaling, and commercializing complex assay workflows to support biopharma partners from basic research through clinical trials.

https://www.accelevirdx.com/

Why Apply?

The Crab Trap Competition is a unique platform that brings visibility, credibility, and opportunity. Past winners have gone on to secure partnerships, funding, and recognition across the industry. Whether you're gearing up for a seed round or advancing toward clinical milestones, this competition is a valuable step in your journey.

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 29

Selected finalists will pitch live at the event on September 24. There is no fee to apply or participate.

Apply Today: https://bit.ly/CrabTrap2025

Essential Conversations Begin at the BioHealth Capital Region Forum (Sept 23-24):

Crab Trap applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, taking place the two days leading up to the competition. This year’s program will explore the theme “Where Human and Artificial Intelligence Converge in the BioHealth Industry” through keynotes, expert panels, and interactive discussions. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with leaders from across industry, government, and academia, stay on top of emerging trends, and build connections ahead of your pitch.

Click here to register for the Forum.

Build Momentum Beyond the Pitch — Join the Investment Conference (September 25):



If you’re applying to the Crab Trap, you should also plan to attend the BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference on September 25. This curated, invite-only gathering brings together startups and investors for 1:1 meetings, quick-pitches, and targeted networking, the kinds of connections that help companies secure funding and strategic partnerships.



Whether or not you're selected as a Crab Trap finalist, attending the Investment Conference puts your company in front of the same investor audience and gives you an opportunity to accelerate your fundraising efforts.

Please click here to register for the Investment Conference.

Why Attend?:

These events offer a unique opportunity to engage with hundreds of industry professionals, including C-level executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Gain firsthand insights into emerging trends and transformative technologies while expanding your network within the vibrant BioHealth Capital Region ecosystem.

As always, Thank You to the Sponsors of these events who make it possible for attendees to participate for free.

Planning Committee Representative Organizations