The Merck Accelerator with programs in Germany and in China connects startups to innovation projects of Merck and its three business sectors for co-development and sustainable business partnerships. During a three-month period, startups receive financial support of up to € 50,000 and benefit from in-depth coaching from a global network of over 50,000 experts, as well as mentoring from Merck senior management, coaching sessions and visibility by attending inspirational and renowned events in the startup ecosystem.

In Darmstadt, the chosen startups will have access to the modern workspace at the futuristic Merck Innovation Center with prototyping facilities in the Makerspace. In China, startups will have access to the local Merck network and mixed sites such as Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai with different business focus and ecosystems.

Clean Meat: enabling technology required to produce clean meat (specifically for the headquarters program at the Innovation Center)

AI-enabled health solutions that include AI solutions for diagnosis rate improvement and precision medicine; AI-enabled drug R&D; Digital therapeutics (specifically for the program in China)

“We have a lot of experience in partnering with startups. To make collaboration happen, we ensure startups the right connections within Merck,” said Michael Gamber, Head of Merck Innovation Center. “The last intake of the Merck Accelerator at the Innovation Center was incredibly successful and 90% of the startups are either collaborating or in negotiations to partner with us.”

So far, 57 startups have already participated in the Merck Accelerator program since the first intake in 2015. Merck is currently looking for up to 12 startups to participate in the program in Darmstadt and up to six startups for its China Innovation Hub.

The Accelerator programs will simultaneously take place from mid-January to April 2020 at the Merck Innovation Center in Darmstadt and at the China Innovation Hub. Right after each program, selected startups will also have the opportunity to extend their stay either in China or in Darmstadt. Applications for both programs are open from now until August 25, 2019.

For more information, please visit this website:https://www.merckgroup.com/en/research/innovation-center/accelerator.html

Source: Merck