GeneNovate - Empowering Innovators and Entrepreneurs in Gene and Cell Therapies

Kick-off Meeting | December 2025 

• Participants will form teams and will be matched with mentors
• Networking opportunity
• Duration approx. 4 hours
• Onsite participation at your selected location 

Theoretical Input Sessions | January 2026 to June 2026 

• 6 theory sessions, held once per month, each lasting 2 hours (10 am - 12 pm)
• Onsite participation in Freiburg and Cologne, live stream for all other locations 

Workshops | January 2026 to June 2026 

• Participants work in group exercises on the practical application of insights from the theoretical input sessions
• Training from experts and experiences startups
• 6 interactive sessions, held once per month, each lasting 6–8 hours
• Onsite participation at your selected location 

Coaching Sessions with Mentors | January 2026 to June 2026 

• Teams meet their mentor for about 1 hour after each workshop (in person or virtual) to prepare and rehearse the pitch for their startup
• Approx. 8 hours in total 

Pre-selection of teams for the Final Event | June 2026 

• Every team pitches their startup in front of a selection committee
• Teams with the strongest pitches are selected to present at the Final Event in Munich 

Final Event 2026 in Munich | June 2026 

• All participants, alumni, experts and mentors from all GeneNovate locations come together for networking, including the possibility to approach investors
• Selected teams pitch their startup in front of investors
• Panel discussions of experts and investors in the field
• 1 full day in Munich

The prestigious GeneNovate program requires full commitment and will award participants with a certificate upon completion. By registering, you agree to attend and come well prepared to the following: 

• Kick-off Meeting
• 6 Online Theoretical Input Sessions
• 6 Onsite Workshops
• Mentor Coaching Sessions
• Pre-selection of Teams
• Final Event in Munich 

In case of illness or absence:  

• inform your site’s project manager before the workshop if you are ill.
• Missed workshops must be attended at an alternative location. 

Upload the respective completed and signed forms to the portal when submitting your application:

☐ Signed Supervisor approval

☐ Signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) 

And agree to:

☐ Consent to use the NUM platform 

☐ Commitment statement 

☐ Complete all evaluation surveys during the GeneNovate 2026 program 

 
Please note:  

• Certificates will only be awarded if all requirements are met.
• This comprehensive program is offered free of charge, however GeneNovate does not reimburse costs of any kind (e.g. travel, accommodation or other expenses).