Innovation Cup
Forecasted
Innovation Cup supports students and postdoctoral researchers in developing science and business ideas into plans that address unmet customer needs and could be implemented by Merck KGaA (EMD Group).
Funder: Merck KGaA (EMD Group)
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Shared team prizes of €20,000, €5,000 and €3,000; travel, accommodation and food covered
Summary: A week-long team challenge in which emerging researchers and business students develop ideas into business plans addressing unmet customer needs.
Key Information: Individuals apply rather than pre-formed teams; healthcare professionals are not eligible.
Description
Merck KGaA (EMD Group) runs the Innovation Cup, a week-long summer camp near Frankfurt, Germany, that brings together students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world. Participants work in small teams with company scientists, managers and experienced retirees to develop ideas addressing unmet customer needs. They assess their ideas from technical and business perspectives, build business plans and present them to a jury of company leaders and external experts.
Team topics include oncology, neuroscience and immunology, drug discovery, fertility, synthetic biology, smart facturing and advanced electronic materials. Participants also learn how products are discovered, developed and brought to market, and meet alumni of earlier Cups. Merck KGaA evaluates options to implement the strongest business plans after the event.
