The University of Windsor is collaborating for the third year with Western University and McMaster University, now joined by the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, and Wilfrid Laurier University on the Proteus Innovation Competition.

The reverse business pitch competition challenges participants to create a commercialization plan for one of six technologies developed by these research institutions. Successful teams have the chance to win one of six $5,000 prizes and to be involved in the further commercialization of the technology, including a possible spin-off company.

This year the University of Windsor has put forward biochemistry professor John Trant’s patented technology, “Streamlined Method for Forming Multiple Disulfide Bonds in a Peptide.”

Dr. Trant’s invention produces biologically-active peptides that can be used to develop pain-management therapeutics, which were previously costly to produce and involved many complicated synthesis steps. This technology overcomes these challenges by using heat-based technology to control peptide formation and ultimately provides a cheaper and simpler solution to forming complex cysteine bridges during peptide synthesis.

Students from all faculties are encouraged to register and submit their business plans for any of the six technologies available as part of the competition.

Learn more about the competition and technologies at the Proteus launch, a live Zoom webinar from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Register by Wednesday, Nov. 18.

For more information, visit www.proteusic.com or contact Windsor lead Tina Suntres at Tina.Suntres@uwindsor.ca.

—Tina Suntres