Application Deadline: 31 January 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Merck Group Innovation Cup. The brightest students from all over the world meet at the company headquarters to learn from professionals, network, develop business plans and win the 20,000 EUR Innovation.
As a participant in the Innovation Cup, you get a chance to network with top students from around the world, work in teams to develop new innovative ideas for unmet customer needs, and build a business case with support from experienced professionals. And to make things even more interesting, options to implement the best business plans will be evaluated.
The Innovation Cup summer camp takes place 8-14 August 2026, near Frankfurt, Germany.
Requirements
- Applications are from postgraduate students in the life sciences working towards a PhD in biology, medicine, biotech, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering or related fields. Postdoctoral students are also welcome to apply, as are advanced MBA students or recent MBA graduates with an interest in the pharmaceutical business and a background in life sciences.
- This programme is not open to healthcare professionals.
Benefits
- Your travel, accommodation and food expenses are paid for by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Merck is offering shared prizes of €20,000 for the winning team, €5,000 for the runner-up and €3,000 for third place.
- Selected top performing participants could get an offer for a permanent employment.
Program Details
As part of the Innovation Cup, selected applicants join a week-long summer camp, to work together in a highly stimulating environment.
- Work as part of a team to generate new ideas in the fields: Oncology, Neuroscience & Immunology, Drug Discovery, Fertility, Synthetic Biology, Smart Facturing and Advanced Electronic Materials
- Evaluate your ideas from a technical and business perspective and build a convincing business plan
- Learn the essentials about R&D within the pharmaceutical industry
- Network with the brightest students from all over the world
- Understand how products can be successfully discovered, developed, and brought to market
- Get to know us and learn about career options
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Merck Group Innovation Cup
