From Lab to Business - Applications open for highly rated BioTech entrepreneurship program from SmiLe and BioM

The applications are now open for the next batch of BioTech Bootcamp, an international, free of charge, training program run by SmiLe and one of Europe's leading biotechnology clusters, Bio^M, in Germany. The program, sponsored by Merck, a global leader in pharmaceuticals and life science technology, is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to develop and commercialize their business ideas in biotechnology.

BioTech Bootcamp is an eight-week hybrid training program, where 10 teams get the unique opportunity to develop their business ideas with the help of life science experts from SmiLe, Bio^M and Merck. Through expert lectures, individual coaching and mentorship, the participants receive training in entrepreneurship and a unique insight into the BioTech industry that will give them a head start when preparing to meet investors, pharmaceutical companies, and other industry players.

This year’s program includes:

• more than 60 ’mentoring’ sessions by over 40 experts, including business coaches and industry experts.
• a personal mentor and pitch coach.
• expert Q&As sessions and panel discussions.
• the chance to network and interact with peers, representatives from the biotech industry and investors.
• on-site weeks at two European life science hotspots; Bio^M in Germany and SmiLe in Sweden
• an exclusive dinner hosted by Merck and the chance for two teams to be awarded with a trip to the Merck M Lab™ Collaboration Center in Molsheim, France.

“We are very pleased to offer yet another batch of aspiring biotech entrepreneurs this exciting opportunity to develop their business ideas. Our collaboration with international industry players like Bio^M and Merck, gives a truly a unique chance to learn from the best and tap into extensive professional networks, " says Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO of SmiLe.

"There is excellent biotechnology research at our universities, with great potential to be commercialized. Therefore, to help these innovative ideas enter the biotech industry, we are very pleased to be able to run the BioTech Bootcamp together with SmiLe. Based on our complementary expertise, we have developed a unique curriculum. In addition to providing access to the networks of two European biotech hotspots, we hope being able to equip the participating teams with the necessary tools to build successful start-ups," adds Prof. Dr. Ralf Huss, CEO of Bio^M Biotech Cluster Development GmbH.

“This year marks the third year that Merck will be sponsoring the BioTech Bootcamp together with SmiLe and Bio^M. To watch this program, grow from a concept to what it is today has been an incredible journey, one that Merck fully supports. We are engaging with biotech entrepreneurs supporting the development of their ideas into what could potentially be the next big biotech start up. Together with SmiLe, Bio^M and Merck’s collective network of expertise, experiences and knowledge sharing, these biotech entrepreneurs will be well prepared on their journey to commercialization. Merck is happy to be part of that journey,” says Melissa Nackovski, Collaboration Consultant EMEA, Merck KGaA.

The BioTech Bootcamp runs between October 10^th and December 7^th, 2023. Applications closes on August 6^th.

The program is also sponsored by the European Commission.

For more information about the program and testimonials from previous participants, please visit our website: https://www.smileincubator.life/biotech-bootcamp/ or contact; Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO of SmiLe, tel:  +46 73 400 04 33

About Bio^M

For 25 years, Bio^M has been the networking organization for the biotechnology industry in Munich and Bavaria, acting on behalf of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. Bio^M supports the Bavarian biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry with an extensive network in establishing new business contacts. The cluster management offers interested parties from Germany and abroad central access and a wide range of information about the industry. Especially for prospective company founders, Bio^M offers comprehensive advice and specialized coaching, training, and mentoring programs with the virtual start-up incubator inQlab. In addition, Bio^M plans to open its physical incubator MAxL (Munich Accelerator for Life Sciences & Medicine) for pre-seed projects and early-stage start-ups in biotech and healthtech at the end of 2023. Since 2011 has coordinated the m⁴ Award pre-founding competition in the field of biomedicine, which is sponsored by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. Bio^M also organizes a wide range of training courses, events, and network meetings. More information under: www.bio-m.org

Press contact Bio^M
Bio^M Biotech Cluster Development GmbH
Gabriele Klingner
E-Mail: klingner@bio-m.org

Christiane Proll
E-Mail: proll@bio-m.org

Am Klopferspitz 19a (IZB West II)
82152 Martinsried
Tel: (+49) (0)89 / 89 96 79 -15
Mobil: (+49) (0)178-5784263
www.bio-m.org

About Merck

Before researchers can make scientific breakthroughs, they must have access to state-of-the-art tools, services and expertise to perform experiments and engineer new products. That’s where we come in. We offer one of the broadest portfolios in the industry for scientists. Researchers around the world rely on us to do their best science — from familiar experiments to novel approaches.

Our more than 28,000 employees believe science offers unlimited possibilities. This sentiment fuels each new innovation. We know our cutting-edge products, services and digital offerings create solutions for people around the world and drive sustainable futures for subsequent generations.

The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operates as MilliporeSigma in the US and Canada. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is a global science and technology company with more than 64,000 employees in 66 countries.

For more information visit our website: https://www.merckgroup.com/en

For more information related to this program or other Merck programs please contact: Melissa Nackovski, Collaboration Consultant EMEA for Merck KGaA, email: melissa.nackovski@merckgroupcom, tel: +46 723 626 331

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