Innovation AveNEW

Interested companies must align in some fashion with the area of life sciences and technology and while not required, an established relationship with a university, bioscience incubator or research institution is preferable. The company’s products and/or services must be available for sale/distribution within the year of their conference participation.

To ensure that participating startups are well-positioned for the Innovation AveNEW program, the following eligibility criteria will be considered:

• Company Age: Must be registered and in operation for a minimum of six (6) months but not exceed eight (8) years.
• Technology Maturity: Should possess a market-ready product or service, preferably with some initial customer traction.
• Capital Raised: Must not have raised more than $10 million in total funding, excluding grants and research-oriented funds.
• Industry Relevance: Should operate in a sector that aligns with the focus of the SLAS Innovation AveNEW program, such as life sciences, laboratory automation or related fields.
• Geographical Operations: Open to startups from any country but must be willing to participate in either the International or Europe conferences and exhibitions.

Companies that have previously exhibited on Innovation AveNEW are not eligible to apply again. Innovation AveNEW companies are not permitted to purchase a booth on the exhibit floor.

By adhering to these criteria, Innovation AveNEW aims to attract startups that are mature enough to engage meaningfully with potential clients and investors, yet still young and agile enough to benefit from the program's offerings. If your company is more mature, we suggest applying for SLAS's New Product Award, which will support your mission and marketing strategy.

All applications are reviewed by the Innovation AveNEW Review Panel, who will evaluate applications for technical merit and commercial feasibility as well as other criteria, inclusive of, but not limited to:

• Compelling science and technology
• Clarity of vision and market opportunity (business plan)
• Strength of management team
• Impact on the field of life sciences discovery and technology
• Start-up status

SLAS reserves the right to select and deselect any company at any given time. All decisions are final. Companies selected for participation in Innovation AveNEW must agree to and adhere to the rules and regulations for participation.

SLAS is dedicated to advancing life sciences discovery and technology and connecting its users to each other. To fulfill that mission, companies selected to participate in Innovation AveNEW receive at no cost:

• Kiosk exhibit space on the floor of the Exhibition including space for a computer and literature, signage, an Internet connection and power (Innovation AveNEW participants must have an official company representative present in their booth space at all times during show hours.)
• Travel and lodging for one (1) person coordinated through SLAS Travel Service Desk
• Access to thousands of practicing life sciences researchers, purchasing decision-makers and potential business partners; ample time for networking
• Access to SLAS Ignite entrepreneurial workshops and presentations, and opportunity to collaborate with expert life sciences business professionals
• Mentorship opportunity to collaborate with expert life sciences business professionals
• Invitation to be featured on the SLAS podcast, New Matter: Inside the Minds of SLAS Scientists
• Discount on booking fees associated with exhibition and sponsorship at future SLAS events.
• Ability to opt in to consideration for the 2026 Ignite Award
• All participating companies are asked to submit a previously unpublished scientific manuscript (original research or a related review paper) for peer-reviewed, post-conference publication in one of two SLAS journals — SLAS Discovery or SLAS Technology

SLAS2026 Innovation AveNEW Application deadline: Monday, September 8

Ignite Award Opt-In (open to accepted Innovation AveNEW companies) deadline: Monday, November 3.