Michael E. DeBakey
Memorial Life Science Award

Background on the Award

• This award is to be given annually to recognize an undiscovered, emerging life science company from Texas that has demonstrated innovation and the highest potential to commercialize their important product
• The purpose in establishing this award was two-fold:
  • To honor Dr. DeBakey, one of the brightest luminaries in Houston’s history, and
  • To further propel one of our region’s innovative emerging companies toward commercial success

Selection Criteria

• The awardee will be an undiscovered Texas company that shows exceptional potential to commercialize its technology
• Companies who have presented at a previous Texas Life Science Conference are not eligible
• The company should have a compelling need for additional funding. Companies (not Researchers) who have received more than $1 Million in funding from any source are NOT eligible for the award
• The company must attend and present at the Texas Life Science Conference
• There should be indications, as reflected in the company submission you have provided, that…
  • The technology has potential as a commercial product;
  • There is an identified market (i.e., it addresses a compelling need), and the commercial opportunity is significant;
  • There exists appropriate intellectual property protection and/or a strategy for achieving appropriate protection;
  • There exists a development strategy that is plausible and the activities are in-line with the company’s path to market;
  • If the company effectively executes its strategy, that significant returns could be realized for the investors.