For this year's Convergence Forum: One free pass for a life sciences leader under 30

Every year, we make a few passes to the Convergence Forum available to promising young entrepreneurs, typically chosen by one of the conference's advisors. This year, however, we're opening up the process to anyone who'd like to apply for a complimentary pass to the event — as long are you are starting or running a life sciences venture, or conducting research that could lead to a startup. One other condition: you must be under the age of 30 as of May 17, 2012, when the conference begins.

The Convergence Forum brings together a small group of life sciences entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers each May to discuss ways that various industries and fields are converging. The event is entirely PowerPoint-free, and designed to help foster thoughtful conversations and forge valuable new connections. This year's conversation leaders will include Mark Levin of Third Rock Ventures, Steve Holtzman of Biogen Idec, Reid Leonard of Merck's new Research Venture Fund, and David Meeker of Genzyme. You can listen to some of the sessions from last year's gathering here, or view the slide show below to get a sense of the flavor of the Convergence Forum.

(If you are over 30, you can always request an invite to the event here... but this comp'ed pass is exclusively for someone in the under 30 set.)

To apply for the pass, just send us an e-mail with your name, a sentence or two describing your current venture, and a bit about how you think you might benefit from being part of the 2012 conference. Your e-mail must be received by noon on Wednesday, April 18th. At the event, you'll get a chance to introduce yourself and your startup to the audience, and to get feedback and input from other participants throughout the 2.5 days.

You'll hear back from us by April 27th if you've won the pass. As a note, these free passes cover conference participation, freebies, and meals, but not travel to Chatham or lodging.

Good luck!

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