Austin, Texas (PRWEB) July 30, 2014
TeVido BioDevices was selected as one of 20 entries to move onto the Martha and Kozo Shimano Entrepreneur Accelerator Program phase of the LIVESTRONG Foundation’s Big C competition, aiming to change the way the world lives with cancer. TeVido BioDevices will now be vying for one of five spots in the contest’s final round, competing to win $25,000.
Headquarted in Austin, TeVido entered the competition to raise awareness to the perpetual emotional and quality of life challenges resulting from disfigurement that breast cancer survivors face. TeVido is uniquely suited to provide innovative solutions that improve the long term self-esteem of women affected by breast cancer by leveraging their expertise in 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine to improve results of reconstruction.
“The semifinalists represent revolutionary solutions to daily challenges faced by cancer survivors of all ages, races and nationalities,” said LIVESTRONG Foundation President and CEO Doug Ulman. “We’re excited to see the progress that these teams will make when paired with their mentors as they put the accelerator phase in motion and strive to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.”
“TeVido has the opportunity to turn advances in today’s 3D bioprinting technology into meaningful improvements for the 5 million women around the globe who are breast cancer survivors”, said Laura Bosworth CEO and Co-founder of TeVido. “While our first focus is on improvements in nipple reconstruction, a significant unmet need with currently limited options for women undergoing breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, we envision using our 3D bioprinting technology to provide better solutions for correcting asymmetry due to lumpectomies and other breast contour challenges in reconstruction. Working with LIVESTRONG to help us achieve our mission is a dream -given their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by cancer we are very pleased to have their recognition and support.”
The accelerator round entries are represented by projects from six countries on four continents and 10 states within the U.S. These ventures have presented viable solutions to the biggest challenges people affected by cancer face following a diagnosis, according to LIVESTRONG's research. The 20 entries will now be able to work with their mentors until Sept. 15 when judging will commence for five finalists to be announced on Sept. 29. These five finalists will be flown to Austin, Texas, to present their innovations during the Ride for the Roses weekend, where the grand-prize winner will be announced at a finale event to be held at Austin Music Hall. Overall, 60 ventures will receive a total of $140,000 in seed funding based on their innovation’s utility, ingenuity and benefits to cancer patients and survivors.
The global social innovation challenge began on World Cancer Day with more than 750 individuals and groups entering a project that aimed to solve daily issues faced by people affected by cancer through programs, services, technology and products.
About TeVido BioDevices
TeVido BioDevices is a privately-held biotechnology company using 3D bio-printing of living human cells to build natural grafts for reconstructive procedures. The Company’s first target indication focuses on reconstructive therapies in the breast cancer market. TeVido has been awarded funding from the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation and Research Program and the revolutionary technology has been highlighted by CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Huffington Post Live, Al Jazeera TV as well as The Economist, Popular Science, The Guardian (UK), and several other media outlets. TeVido’s vision is to change the current approach to reconstructive surgery, starting by improving options and self-esteem for breast cancer survivors and expanding capability to other reconstructive indications that provide significant benefit to patients. For more information visit tevidobiodevices.com
About the LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America's top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.