Merck Group Innovation Cup 2026

An international competition organized by Merck Group offering a €20,000 prize and an accompanying week-long summer camp. Selected postgraduate students, postdocs and MBA candidates work in teams to develop and present business-minded innovation ideas across fields related to life sciences and technology, with travel and accommodation covered for the camp near Frankfurt, Germany.

Shared prize of €20,000 for the winning team; additional runner-up and third place prizes; week-long summer camp near Frankfurt, Germany; networking and exposure to Merck Group.

Postgraduate students pursuing PhD in biology, medicine, biotech, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering or related fields; postdoctoral researchers; advanced MBA students or recent MBA graduates with an interest in the pharmaceutical business and a life sciences background.

Submit an application; selected applicants participate in the summer camp and present ideas.