💡 Innovation Cup 2026: Shape the Future of Science with Merck
📅 Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
📍 Location: Near Frankfurt, Germany
💶 Prize: €20,000 Innovation Cup + All travel, accommodation & meals covered
🌍 Overview
The Merck Innovation Cup 2026 is one of the world’s most prestigious innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamps for young scientists and aspiring business leaders. Each year, Merck KGaA (Germany) invites top master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and MBA students from around the globe to a week-long summer camp near Frankfurt.
Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams, learn directly from Merck’s experts, and develop real-world business plans for next-generation innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The winning team will receive the €20,000 Innovation Cup, and all expenses will be fully covered.
🎯 Why Apply
- 🌱 Learn from global experts in pharma, biotech, and technology
- 🤝 Network with innovators, mentors, and industry leaders
- 💡 Co-create business ideas in cutting-edge fields
- 💶 Win €20,000 and pitch to Merck’s leadership
- ✈️ Travel, accommodation, and meals are fully sponsored
🧬 Innovation Cup 2026 Teams
At the Innovation Cup, several project teams work in parallel across high-impact domains. You can apply for more than one team based on your expertise and interests:
| Team | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Oncology | Innovative treatments for cancer via targeted drugs or immune activation |
| Neuroscience & Immunology | Novel therapies for immune-mediated neurological and rheumatologic diseases |
| Drug Discovery | Small molecule, protein, or nucleic acid-based drug design and formulation |
| Fertility | Extending reproductive longevity and delaying menopause |
| Synthetic Biology | Harnessing biology for new molecular tools and therapeutic design |
| Smart Manufacturing | AI-driven process optimization and digital automation for pharma manufacturing |
| Advanced Electronic Materials | New semiconductor materials for next-gen chips and sustainable manufacturing |
🧠 Who Can Apply
This is a global call open to highly motivated young researchers and innovators:
✅ Master’s students in life sciences, medicine, biotechnology, computer science, chemistry, engineering, or related fields
✅ PhD scholars and Postdoctoral researchers
✅ MBA students or recent graduates with interest in the pharmaceutical business
❌ Not open to practicing healthcare professionals
📋 Application Process
Stage 1: Submit your application online by January 31, 2026.
You may apply for multiple teams.
Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be notified in March 2026 and invited to submit an idea proposal by April 2026.
Final Selection: Teams will be announced by May 2026.
Innovation Cup Event: August 8–14, 2026, near Frankfurt, Germany.
🏆 What You’ll Gain
- Learn directly from Merck’s R&D, business, and venture teams
- Get hands-on experience in biotech entrepreneurship
- Collaborate across disciplines in real-world innovation challenges
- Build a global professional network
- Receive mentorship and feedback from senior industry leaders
💻 How to Apply
📝 Application link: https://www.merckgroup.com/en/research/open-innovation/innovation-cup/application.html
📖 Program details: https://www.merckgroup.com/en/research/open-innovation/innovation-cup.html
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Who can apply for the Innovation Cup?
Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and MBA students (or recent graduates) in relevant scientific or business fields.
2️⃣ Can I apply for multiple teams?
Yes, you may apply for more than one team based on your expertise and interest.
3️⃣ Is this a team or individual application?
Applications are submitted individually. Teams are formed by Merck based on participants’ skills and interests.
4️⃣ When will shortlisted candidates be notified?
Applicants will be informed about next steps by March 2026.
5️⃣ Is travel and accommodation covered?
Yes, Merck covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals for selected participants.
6️⃣ What’s the prize for the winning team?
The winning team will receive the €20,000 Innovation Cup and visibility within Merck’s global innovation ecosystem.
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