Merck Innovation Cup 2026 – Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Merck Innovation Cup 2026, an exciting fully funded innovation and entrepreneurship summer camp organized by Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany). This prestigious program invites talented postgraduate students to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams on cutting-edge topics in life sciences, technology, and business.

It focuses on innovative ideas in fields like Oncology, Neuroscience & Immunology, Drug Discovery, Fertility, Synthetic Biology, Smart Facturing, and Advanced Electronic Materials. The week-long summer camp runs from August 8–14, 2026, near Frankfurt, Germany, with all travel, accommodation, and food expenses fully covered by Merck—no participation fees or costs for selected participants.

PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced/recent MBA graduates from around the world can apply, except healthcare professionals. The application deadline is January 31, 2026 (you can apply to multiple teams). Selected participants develop ideas, build business plans, network with experts, and compete for cash prizes: €20,000 (shared) for the winning team, €5,000 for runner-up, and €3,000 for third place—plus potential job offers at Merck and implementation of top ideas.

Key Details

• Program Name: Merck Innovation Cup 2026
• Organizer: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
• Event Type: Fully funded week-long summer camp + innovation competition
• Dates: August 8–14, 2026
• Location: Near Frankfurt, Germany
• Funding: Fully funded — Merck covers all travel, accommodation, food, and program expenses for selected participants
• Application Fee: None (no participation or entry fee)
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

What This Program Offers

Participants receive:

• A fully paid week-long experience in Germany, including international travel, comfortable accommodation, and all meals.
• Hands-on collaboration in small, interdisciplinary teams with talented peers from around the world.
• Direct mentorship and guidance from Merck’s senior researchers, managers, and business experts to develop and refine innovative ideas into strong business plans.
• In-depth learning about pharmaceutical and tech R&D processes, from idea generation to product development and market launch.
• Valuable networking opportunities, including a dedicated alumni conference on the first day to connect with past participants and expand professional contacts.
• Exposure to career paths at a leading global science and technology company, with top performers potentially receiving permanent employment offers.
• Recognition and cash prizes for the best business plans (€20,000 for the winning team, plus runner-up and third-place awards).
• The chance for outstanding ideas to be evaluated for real-world implementation by Merck.

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Eligibility Criteria

You can apply if you are:

• A postgraduate/PhD student in: Biology, Medicine, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Computer Sciences, Data Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or related fields.
• A postdoctoral researcher in relevant areas.
• An advanced MBA student or recent MBA graduate with a background in life sciences and interest in the pharmaceutical business.

Exclusions: The program is not open to healthcare professionals.
No age limit specified, but aimed at advanced students/early-career researchers.

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How to Apply

The application is a 2-stage online process:

1. Stage 1 – Initial Application (Deadline: January 31, 2026)
   • Submit your CV and cover letter/motivation letter.
   • Choose one or more preferred teams (you can apply for multiple).
   • Apply directly via the official Merck Innovation Cup application page.
2. Stage 2 – For Shortlisted Applicants
   • Get notified by early March 2026.
   • Submit your innovative idea/proposal by early April 2026.
   • Final team assignments by early May 2026.
   • Join the summer camp if selected.

This is your chance to collaborate globally and make an impact ! Good luck! 🚀

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