GeneNovate | Call for Application 2025/2026

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 4 hours
• 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

Topics covered within the theoretical input sessions and workshops:

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• Changing the Healthcare Industry
• Creating and Presenting Pitch Decks
• Value Proposition and Business Model Canvas
• IP-Protection and Management
• Market Analysis
• Creating a Business Model
• Building a Business Case
• Regulation
• Developing a Product and Solution
• Go-to-Market: Understand and win customers
• Legal Foundations for Startups
• Team Management
• Project Management
• Establishing and Managing Partnerships
• Financing and Funding
• Investor Discussion and Negotiation
• Exit options and Strategic Value 

• Learn how to be an entrepreneur in Gene and Cell Therapies (GCT), Biotech and Medicine
• Comprehensive info material on all workshop topics
• Coaching by Mentors
• Exchange with Experts
• Insights and inputs from experienced Startups
• Connection with Investors
• Pitch presentations at the Final Event
• Networking Opportunities
• Participants will have the chance to pitch their startup ideas to investors
• Participation certificate
• Alumni Network

Advanced students, PhD candidates, and Postdocs, as well as experienced researchers and medical professionals in the fields of life sciences, biotech and medicine.

We are looking for ambitious scientists and researchers with an entrepreneurial spirit. 

Whether you already have a startup idea, are working on a research project with potential for real-world impact or are simply curious about entrepreneurship. 

This program is designed to support both experienced innovators and those who want to learn the essentials of starting a venture from scratch.

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

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 (December 2025) 
• 6 Online Theoretical Input Sessions (January to June 2026) 
• 6 Onsite Workshops (January to June 2026) 
• Mentor Coaching Sessions (January 2026 to June 2026) 
• Pre-selection of Teams (June 2026) 
• Final Event in Munich (June 2026) 

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).