Deadline: January 31, 2026
Applications are invited for the Merck Group Innovation Cup 2026. The brightest students from all over the world meet at Merck Group headquarters to learn from professionals, network, develop business plans and win the 20,000 EUR Innovation Cup.
As part of the Innovation Cup, selected applicants join a week-long summer camp, to work together in a highly stimulating environment.
- Work as part of a team to generate new ideas in the fields: Oncology, Neuroscience & Immunology, Drug Discovery, Fertility, Synthetic Biology, Smart Facturing and Advanced Electronic Materials
- Evaluate your ideas from a technical and business perspective and build a convincing business plan
- Learn the essentials about R&D within the pharmaceutical industry
- Network with the brightest students from all over the world
- Understand how products can be successfully discovered, developed, and brought to market
- Get to know the Merck Group and learn about career options
Benefits
- Enjoy the innovation experience of a lifetime!
- The winning team is awarded the Innovation Cup and a shared prize of €20,000.
- The runner-up receives a shared prize of €5,000 with €3,000 for third place.
- The Innovation Cup summer camp takes place 8-14 August 2026, near Frankfurt, Germany. Your travel, accommodation and food expenses are paid for by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Eligibility
- Applications are from postgraduate students in the life sciences working towards a PhD in biology, medicine, biotech, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering or related fields.
- Postdoctoral students are also welcome to apply, as are advanced MBA students or recent MBA graduates with an interest in the pharmaceutical business and a background in life sciences.
- This programme is not open to healthcare professionals.
Application
Apply now to join other selected international students at the innovation summer camp on 8-14 August 2026 near Frankfurt, Germany. Applications for the 2026 Innovation Cup close on 31 January 2026.
For more information, visit Innovation Cup.
