The Advance Biotech Grant Program

The Advance Biotech Grant Program is sponsored by MilliporeSigma (a subsidiary of Merck KGaA). This program recognizes stand-out emerging biopharmaceutical and biotech startups and awards grant recipients with products, services, and consultation to advance production and help accelerate the path to commercialization.

Merck Advance Biotech Grant Program | BIO-Europe This site is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC Secure your lowest rate to Europe's biggest life science event: Koelnmesse Cologne, Germany Ways to attend expand_more Company Presentation Options Advanced Business Development Course Program Tracks expand_more Sponsor & Exhibit expand_more Sponsorship & Exhibit Options partneringONE expand_more Plan your visit expand_more November 11: Carnival Guide Press & media expand_more Secure your lowest rate to Europe's biggest life science event: Koelnmesse Cologne, Germany Merck's EMEA Advance Biotech Grant at BIO-Europe Take your company to new heights with Merck's EMEA Advance Biotech Grant Program Through their EMEA Advance Biotech Grant Program, Merck recognizes stand-out emerging biotech companies and helps them navigate their path to commercialization.

Delivered as a dynamic challenge, five selected biotech companies will have the opportunity to present their breakthroughs to Merck's Grant representatives and the overall BIO-Europe audience. Apply for Merck's EMEA Advance Biotech Grant About Merck's EMEA Advance Biotech Grant Merck understands the challenges emerging biotech companies face in the quest to push the next generation of drugs to market.

This is why they have developed the Advance Biotech Grant programs which occurs on regular basis in different regions of the world. These programs award grant recipients with products, services and consultation support to advance production and help accelerate their path to commercialization. Company Eligibility & Prizes Ten (10) companies will be selected to proceed to an interview round with Merck.

Following the interviews, five (5) companies will be chosen to advance to the present at BIO-Europe. The winner and two (2) finalists will be selected on stage at BIO-Europe.

To be considered for the grant, Merck would like to see a description of your company's therapeutic focus, clinical strategy, and clear business strategy that outlines where Merck can help you overcome challenges and address gaps in expertise to bring your innovation to the finish line. Please review Merck's Terms and Conditions here .

Have at least one biologics in the pipeline Must be developing new modalities or therapeutics products or offering an innovative service in: No program reaches PIII (or above development stages) Established over the last 10 years No more than €10 million in sales Looking for clinical support and solution within their processes Any local, state, provincial or federal or other government or government agency or any officials or employees thereof Any affiliates of Sponsor or any employees of Sponsor or its affiliates and their immediate family and household members Healthcare organizations (HCOs), including hospitals, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and employees thereof Companies that do not have wet lab capabilities or rely fully on outsourcing for their manufacturing capabilities.

To be eligible for the program, the entity must be a biotechnology company located or do substantial business in one of the following countries (the “Territory”): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

Companies that conduct business and possess legal business entities in the countries listed, are also invited to apply Is your company located outside of the listed countries? You may still qualify! Companies that conduct business and possess legal business entities in the countries listed, are also invited to apply.

€100,000 in Merck Life Science bioprocessing technologies and support, including: One-year subscription to Emprove® Premium €20,000 in Merck Life Science bioprocessing technologies and support Customer Applications Consultant (Emerging Biotech) – UK/Ireland/Nordics Director, Business Development Emerging Biotech and Excipients EMEA Below you can review the application process and important deadlines.

Final day to submit your application. Starting on this date, our team, together with Merck, will carefully review and consider all applications submitted. Beginning on September 14, Merck will schedule interviews with the 10 companies chosen to move into this round.

Companies that have been selected to move to the live presentation round at BIO-Europe will be notified. Congratulations to the 2025 winner! Congratulations to Stemmatters, the winner of the 2025 Merck EMEA Advance Biotech Grant at BIO-Europe in Vienna.

We would also like to congratulate the runners up TROYA Therapeutics and Mesenbio. Please review Merck's Terms and Conditions here .