Merck is calling for national and international start-ups to apply for funding for innovative ideas by 14 August 2015. The Merck accelerator programme is aimed at young companies in the healthcare, life science, performance materials and IT sectors. The programme will run for three months, during which at least three selected start-ups will receive strategic and operational advice, as well as financial support of €25,000 in the form of a silent participation.
The programme does not foresee an equity interest in the companies receiving funding, nor influence regarding their operational and strategic management. The first three start-ups are supposed to move into the newly built, modular Innovation Center in Darmstadt, Germany, in September 2015.
In addition to providing financial and infrastructure assistance, Merck will also offer to coach the start-ups by offering mentors and training sessions. At the end of the three months, the companies will be part of Merck's start-up network.
‘Building up an alumni network is one of our long-term goals,’ said Michael Gamber, who heads Merck’s Innovation Center. ‘We want to provide a home for our start-ups and continue to collaborate closely with them.’
Interested parties can find more information here and apply until 14 August.
