Got a startup idea? Curious about entrepreneurship? Then the GeneNovate program is the perfect place to start!
GeneNovate is the first nationwide entrepreneurship program in Germany, designed to empower innovators and entrepreneurs in the field of Gene and Cell Therapies (GCT), Biotech, Medicine Health and Life Science. The program targets early-career scientists and physicians, such as advanced students, PhD candidates, and Postdocs, but it is also open to experienced researchers and medical professionals.
The GeneNovate program runs from December 2025 to June 2026 and includes a kick-off meeting in December, six theoretical input sessions (hybrid), six full-day workshops (onsite), team-based preparation and presentation of startup pitches and culminates in the Final Event in Munich.
A key strength of the program lies in its collaborative approach, connecting participants across all GeneNovate locations in Germany.
This comprehensive program is offered free of charge.
Who can apply?
Advanced students, PhD candidates, and Postdocs, as well as experienced researchers and medical professionals in the fields of life sciences, biotech and medicine.
Professional competencies and experiences
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.
Locations hosting the GeneNovate Workshops:
- Berlin
- Heidelberg
- Munich
- Region EAST (Dresden, Leipzig)
- Region NORTH (Braunschweig, Göttingen, Hannover, …)
- Region NRW 1 (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, …)
- Region NRW 2 (Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, …)
- Region RHINE-MAIN (Mainz, …)
- Region SOUTHWEST (Freiburg, Tübingen)
Key Focus Areas
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
Benefits
- 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
