PITCH CONTEST IN RESPIRATORY DISEASE
11th September 2026 in Parma
Applications are now officially open for the “Pitch Contest in Respiratory Disease”, an initiative dedicated to innovative ideas and high-potential projects, promoted by University of Parma in the person of Prof. Francesca Buttini and co-organized with the Chiesi Farmaceutici.
The contest represents a unique opportunity to promote, and support innovative technological solutions in the field of respiratory health and respiratory technologies.
The ideas will be presented to a jury of industry and academic experts, gain visibility, and access new growth opportunities.
Participants will have the chance to showcase their project, engage with fellow innovators, and take the first step toward the future.
How to participate: participation in the event is free of charge and open to all, subject to prior registration and availability of seats. For partecipants who hold the congress badge, entry is permitted without registration; however, they are kindly requested to confirm their attendance
DESCRIPTION
The “Pitch Contest in Respiratory Disease” will take place on September 11th 2026, in the city center of Parma (IT).
This event is designed to provide experience-based guidance to entrepreneurial scientists as they consider transitioning an idea from the bench into development as a drug, drug product or other innovation in respiratory disease. The event will run throughout the entire day and, in addition to pitch sessions by the selected projects, will feature talks by entrepreneurs and investors who will share their professional experience, offering concrete insights into how to transform an idea into a successful project. This will include information on scientific approach, regulatory strategy and funding opportunities. Dedicated networking moments are also planned, with the aim of fostering dialogue among participants, stakeholders, and key players in the innovation ecosystem.
Programme will be available soon
ELIGIBILITY and APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The contest is open to PhD students, Postdocs researchers, startups and small medium enterprises with research or technological development projects at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 2 and 5.
It is particularly aimed at young entrepreneurial ideas and early-stage projects, to support the development of nascent ventures and emerging technologies.
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, and selected applications will be communicated on July 15, 2026.
Each selected candidate will have 10 minutes to present their project to the jury, followed by 5 minutes of questions and discussion. Presentations will be held in English and must include non-confidential information only.
For any questions or requests for information, you may contact us at the following email address: addreslab@unipr.it
AWARDS
Three (3) prizes shall be awarded:
- Startup/SMEPrize: awarded to the highest-ranked project within this category; prize consisting of consultancy services by a primary professional firm valued at €5,000 (five thousand euros);
- PhD/Postdoc/Researcher Prize: awarded to the highest-ranked project within the PhD/Postdoc/Researcher category; prize consisting of six (6) months of structured mentoring provided by a corporate partner (Chiesi Farmaceutici).
- Overall Excellence Prize: awarded to the highest-ranked project among all submissions, excluding the projects already awarded the prizes above; prize consisting of six (6) months of structured mentoring provided by a corporate partner (Chiesi Farmaceutici).
