September 6, 2017 (IOWA CITY, IA) – Viewpoint Molecular Targeting LLC, a University of Iowa spin-out company developing therapies and diagnostics for metastatic melanoma, recently placed first at the Iowa SBIR Showcase (Virtual SBIR Road Tour) pitch competition.

The company won first place in the Phase II Pitch competition receiving a prize of $10,000. Viewpoint faced stiff competition as they competed against seven other companies whom have previously been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award.

According to the SBIR Road Tour, “The Iowa SBIR Showcase is part of a national outreach effort to convey the technology funding opportunity provided through the SBIR and STTR programs. The SBIR/STTR programs annually provide $2.5 billion in funding to small advanced technology firms to spur new technological discoveries and facilitate the commercialization of innovations.”

The showcase also provided the company an opportunity for one-on-one virtual meetings with federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, as well as others. Additionally, the event offered networking opportunities to connect directly with potential investors, partners, and mentors.

“I’m thrilled that the judges thought we were deserving of this award”, said Dr. Frances Johnson, Viewpoint’s chief medical officer. “These kind of business competitions inject energy into the business development process in ways that government grants and contracts cannot. They also provide a unique opportunity to meet personally with potential investors.”

See more: UI Ventures, SBIR Road Tour

Viewpoint’s products are currently under development and therefore not approved by the FDA