Grant and Funding Programs for Pharma & Biopharma Startups

Our Grant Programs

We offer several grant programs to help biopharmaceutical and biotech start-ups, entrepreneurs, scientists, and students bring innovative ideas to the next level.

The Advance Biotech Grant Program

The Advance Biotech Grant Program is offered on a regular basis in different regions of the world. The program recognizes stand-out emerging biopharmaceutical and biotech start-ups and awards grant recipients with products, services, and consultation to advance production and help accelerate the path to commercialization. Since 2014, more than 40 biotech startups have been recognized through this Program. We are honored to support their missions as they pursue therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from cancer, brain tumors, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular disorders. To be considered for the grant, you must describe your therapeutic focus, clinical strategy, and explain how we can help you overcome challenges and address gaps in expertise to bring your innovation across the finish line.

Apply to the 2024 South Asia & Oceania Biotech Grant Program

The South Asia & Oceania grand prize includes €150,000 in products, services and support such as bioprocessing technology trials and consultation services.

Applications will be accepted starting October 2023. Join our mailing list so that you are notified when the next application cycle begins.

Previous Winners

Our Annual Research Challenges

Our Research Challenge is a competition for technology pioneers at the leading edge of innovation. In this challenge, you’ll be presented with a task and a time limit, and the opportunity to apply your expertise and competitive spirit. Our research grants are designed to stimulate innovative research in challenging areas of future importance.

Learn more

FUNDING RESOURCES

Lack of funding is a reason why promising therapeutics being developed at emerging, start-up biotechs and biopharmaceutical companies may fail to reach commercial status. With the cost to develop a drug estimated to be millions, funding is a challenge for all early-stage drug developers. There are many financing options, from biotech crowdfunding, nondilutive funding, and noncoercive funding, to biotech grants, angel investors, venture capital and other resources. Here are some good places to start in your search for funding.

• Merck offers a wide range of grants and awards for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical research.
• EMD Serono Partners provides scientists and engineers with best-in-class lab materials, technologies, and services that accelerate access to health for people everywhere.
• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awards grants primarily to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-exempt organizations.
• Grants.gov provides a listing of available federal grants

VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTORS

Venture capital (VC) investors look for disruptive technologies that align with their focus areas and a team that can deliver on that vision. When an early-stage, emerging biotech or biopharmaceutical company can clearly define why they are innovative and how they differentiate from others in addressing a relevant issue, the VC will take notice. Leadership that shows both focus and agility increase the likelihood of a successful partnership. Likewise, the entrepreneur should look for VCs that take an active role in translating innovations towards commercial success.

M Ventures, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a subsidiary of Merck is a venture fund that joins forces with industry visionaries to maintain science and technology leadership for the next generation

INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS

For very early-stage biotech and biopharmaceutical companies, especially those whose founders are new to corporate leadership, an incubator or accelerator facility may be the right solution. These facilities provide not only reasonably priced lab-space and access to a core facility, but a network of support from legal and financial management resources to funding and coaching. These resources can go a long way to help establish a new biotech or biopharmaceutical entity.