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Who Should Apply

The Flinn Foundation seeks proposals from Arizona-based, early-stage bioscience companies engaged in commercialization of bioscience research and technology for medical devices and equipment; medical technologies; drugs, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics; agricultural feedstock and chemicals; or research, testing and medical labs.  

The application for the 2027 cohort will open on Monday, Aug. 3.  

Requirements

The application for first-round screening consists of a basic application form and up to four attachments:   

  • 15-slide leave-behind pitch deck (required); 
  • Up to two letters of recommendation (1 required, 1 optional); and 
  • Three-minute investor video pitch (optional). 

Invited finalists will deliver an in-person pitch at the Flinn Foundation to a panel of judges.   

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, an entity must be an Arizona-based bioscience company engaged in the commercialization of bioscience research and biotechnology in the areas of:  

  • Medical devices and equipment;  
  • Medical technologies;  
  • Drugs, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics;  
  • Agricultural feedstock and chemicals; or 
  • Research, testing and medical labs.  

The company must be incorporated as an S-Corp, LLC, or C-Corp, and based in Arizona. The program defines early-stage as pre-seed or seed companies with under $1,000,000 in raised dilutive funds or revenue. Research-only projects do not qualify.  

Applying companies do not need prior investment from the Flinn Foundation to apply. However, past Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program participants and Flinn Foundation Translational Seed Grants Program awardees are eligible to apply. 

Benefits

Up to six Arizona-based startups receive $75,000 in non-dilutive funding, administered through the Foundation’s nonprofit partner, the Arizona Bioindustry Association. 

Beyond the $75,000 award, the program provides: 

  • The equivalent of $11,250 in advisorship, led by a core advisor and supplemented by additional consultant hours; 
  • Learning sessions over the first two months for peer learning and foundation building;  
  • Structured quarterly convenings for networking and investor readiness preparation;  
  • The opportunity to pitch for follow-on investment to partnering investors at program close;  
  • Referrals to programs, resources, and product-development/product-launch experts; and  

Program Expectations

Founders or CEOs of selected companies will attend cohort gatherings, including a one-day kick-off bootcamp, virtual cohort learning sessions, and quarterly cohort gatherings. They will check in regularly with their core advisors and Foundation staff.  

By the end of the program period, successful teams will demonstrate increased readiness for commercialization and capital. The IC-style pitch at program close is intended to raise follow-on capital from program-engaged investors and the broader market. 

Application Evaluation

Proposals for first-round screening will be evaluated by independent review committees of industry experts appointed by the Flinn Foundation. Constructive feedback will be offered to applicants.  

The judging panel for finalist pitches will primarily consist of program-affiliated advisors and investors. Prospective partners, as well as out-of-state experts, may also feature on this final panel to provide outside perspectives. 

Contact

For more information about the program or the next application cycle, contact Joanna Yang Yowler, Ph.D., Flinn Foundation Program Manager, Translational Biosciences & Entrepreneurship.  

Learn more

Program benefits and background
Meet the program participants from 2014 to today