GeneNovate 2025

PhD-Students, PostDocs and researchers in the fields of life sciences, biotech and medicine

• Berlin
• Dresden, Leipzig
• Hannover
• Heidelberg
• Mainz
• Munich

More sites will follow soon!

• 6 Workshops covering the following topics:
  Introduction to entrepreneurship, Changing the healthcare industry, Creating & presenting pitch decks, Value proposition & business model canvas, IP-protection & management, Analyze your market, Create your own business model, Build your business case, Regulation, Develop your product/ solution, Go-to-market, Legal foundations, Team management, Project management, Establish & manage partnerships, Financing & funding, Investor discussions, Exit options & strategic value
   
• Comprehensive info material on all workshop topics
   
• Practical application of theoretical knowledge on a team project
   
• Coaching by Mentors
   
• Exchange with Experts
   
• Insights and inputs from experienced Start-ups
   
• Connection with Investors
   
• Pitch presentations at the Final Event, 26.6.2025
   
• Possibility to participate in the GeneNovate Investors’ Day, 27.6.2025
   
• Networking opportunities
   
• Participants will have the chance to pitch their ideas to investors
   
• Alumni Network

Please note: Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered by the program.

Candidates should possess a committed founder's mindset and a clear vision. Ideally, they should already be involved in a specific research project or have initial ideas or concepts for a project contributing to patient´s benefits.

To ensure full commitment to the program, participants are required to attend all 6 full-day workshops. If a participant is unable to attend a workshop, the participant must arrange to attend the same workshop at an alternative site. 

Participants must obtain approval from their supervisors to attend all workshops, as well as additional mentor meetings and group sessions focused on developing pitch decks. They are also expected to participate in the Final Event on June 26, 2025. In the event of illness, participants must inform the project manager at their respective site before the workshop begins. Missed workshops shall be attended at another site. 

Please note: To receive the certificate, participants must attend all workshops and the Final Event. This commitment is essential for successfully completing the program and achieving its objectives.

The workshop will be conducted in English. All materials (slides, info kits) will be provided in English. Sufficient English skills are necessary (at least B2 level).

Following the application deadline, all submissions will undergo a thorough review. Participants will be selected based on a careful evaluation against established criteria, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen for the program. Providing a research project for the teams to work on is a beneficial bonus.