Today Swiftsure Innovations from Newfoundland was named the winner of BioNova’s tenth annual BioInnovation Challenge (BIC) business pitch competition at BioPort 2020. Swiftsure is developing a novel endotracheal tube that will revolutionize oral care for mechanically ventilated patients. “The BioInnovation Challenge gave us the opportunity to really hone our business plan and strategy,” Deanne McCarthy (RN), CEO & Founder said, “We have benefited not only from winning, but from the program and training it provided as a whole. It was also a great chance to learn about the game changing technologies being developed right here in Atlantic Canada.” The eight semi-finalist startups from across Atlantic Canada that participated this year raised over $1 Million dollars since the start of 2020, making this one of the most competitive years in the competitions ten year history. The goal of the competition is to help ease the transition from research laboratory to market. Swiftsure Innovations will receive a prize package that includes $25,000 in seed funding and an advisory services package worth more than $30,000. Swiftsure Innovations was up against AffinityImmuno Inc. from Prince Edward Island, and 3D BioFibR from Nova Scotia. “This year’s competition highlights the strong leadership and innovation coming from health and life sciences startups in the region and the need for continued support programs like the BioInnovation Challenge.” Scott Moffitt, Executive Director, BioNova The Judging Panel: Rhiannon Davies – Founding and Managing Partner, Sandpiper Ventures Arif Aziz, PhD – Senior Manager, National Life Science SR&ED, MNP Patricia Folkins – Partner, Bereskin & Parr LLP About BioNova BioNova leads the Health and Life Sciences sector in Nova Scotia and is the host of the BioPort Conference, the BioInnovation Challenge and BIC Junior. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest growing sector in Atlantic Canada. We represent over 150 companies in Nova Scotia who have raised over $73 million in investment dollars since the beginning of 2020. Visit our website at www.BioNova.ca About BioPort BioPort provides a forum to educate, inform and inspire the health and life sciences community to develop their ideas, commercialize their technologies and build links within the region and with guests brought in from the U.S. and from around the world. For more information visit www.bioportatlantic.ca. Media Contact: Shana Cristoferi, Marketing Manager, BioNova 902-830-9193 scristoferi@bionova.ca