“PROPEL provided me access to advice and coaching from a world-class executive which would have not been available to me otherwise. This helped me to focus my attention and resources on the critical challenges and activities to move the company forward in a manner meaningful to outside investors. I would strongly recommend PROPEL to any start up CEO.”

- Andrew Cittadine
CEO, American BioOptics

PROPEL

PROPEL is a series of programs aimed at increasing the number of life sciences start-ups in Illinois and boosting the success rates of existing companies. Industry led the development of PROPEL through generous support from Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Baxter International Inc., Abbott and Astellas Pharma US, Inc. by providing initial funding for program development.

PROPEL helps guide the development of formation-stage and early-stage life sciences companies by providing entrepreneurs with access to specialized resources and expertise. Industry, academia, service professionals, entrepreneurs and government agencies connect to create and support a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Illinois and throughout the Midwest through PROPEL programs.

PROPEL programs include:

Coaching
Business Plan Presentation Panels
Professional Services
Technical Assistance
Educational Programs and Networking

Past and current PROPEL participants include:

Formation-stage and early-stage companies
Industry segments within therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, other healthcare-related products with intellectual property, biochemicals, industrial biotech products and agricultural-biotech products and processes