ULP Announces I-CREATE Winners - Apply Now for Next Cohort

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University Lab Partners (ULP) is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural I-CREATE Showcase where nine groundbreaking MedTech startups pitched their innovations to a distinguished panel of investors, industry experts, and public health leaders.

Taking top honors were:

•  $50,000 Prize - Acorn Genetics
•  $30,000 Prize - Latde Diagnostics
•  $20,000 Prize - Mitos Diagnostics

Each of these winning companies showcased compelling solutions aimed at improving health security and addressing critical gaps in medical diagnostics and device development.

"Participating in the I-CREATE accelerator pushed our team to refine our strategy and accelerate our progress in a way we couldn't have done alone," said Ana Cornell, CEO of Acorn Genetics. "The support from University Lab Partners, BARDA, and the broader I-CREATE network helped us build critical relationships and position our technology for real-world impact."

In addition to the three top prizes, all participating I-CREATE companies completed a six-month accelerator program that included tailored workshops, advisory services, expert consulting, and mentorship. As part of the Showcase, Checktor Biosciences, VIDEM and Hikari Medical Technology were also awarded $5,000 in in-kind consulting services to further support the advancement of their technologies.

The I-CREATE (International Consortium for Research, Engineering, Acceleration of Technology Excellence) program serves as the BARDA Accelerator Network's Medical Devices and Diagnostics Hub and is delivered in partnership with CIMIT and Science Exchange.

"The caliber of innovation from this inaugural cohort has been truly inspiring," said Stephanie Chan, PhD, Program Officer of the I-CREATE program at University Lab Partners. "These entrepreneurs are helping shape the future of global health security, and we're honored to support their journey." 

Applications Now Open for the Next I-CREATE Cohort

ULP is now accepting applications for the next I-CREATE cohort, offering:

•  Up to $200,000 in non-dilutive funding for top applicants
•  Tailored mentorship, technical consulting, and investor engagement
•  A chance to compete for a $50,000 grand prize

Startups developing medical devices or diagnostic technologies that address high-priority public health threats are encouraged to apply. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until August 2025. For more information and to apply, visit: www.universitylabpartners.org/I-CREATE

This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under agreement number 75A50124C00007.

About I-CREATE

I-CREATE fosters groundbreaking innovation in the medical device and diagnostics sectors by serving as a bridge between startups and a network of investors, industry leaders, and experienced mentors. Through this collaboration, the program empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of development and commercialization, driving the advancement of transformative medical countermeasures that address critical health challenges and improve lives globally.

About University Lab Partners

University Lab Partners (ULP) is a premier nonprofit wet lab incubator located in Orange County, CA, with facilities in Irvine and Aliso Viejo. ULP provides state-of-the-art wet lab spaces and fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial community focused on life sciences. In addition to offering highly equipped facilities and peer-to-peer collaboration opportunities, ULP runs global accelerator programs and workforce development initiatives, empowering innovators and advancing the life sciences ecosystem worldwide. www.universitylabpartners.org

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SOURCE University Lab Partners