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.

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, Green Chemistry, Digital Health, Smart Manufacturing, Neuroinspired AI inference acceleration.

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 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and learn about career options

A jury consisting of our senior researchers and managers as well as external experts will pick the winning business plans for first and second place.

Apply now to join 42 international students at the Innovation Cup summer camp taking place 19-25 July, 2025, near Frankfurt, Germany. Applications for the 2025 Innovation Cup close 31. January 2025.

BENEFIT:

The brightest students from all over the world meet at our company headquarters to learn from professionals, network, develop business plans and win the 20,000 EUR Innovation Cup.