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Wildcard Challenge

1x a year

Accelerator Entrepreneurship Networking Start-up Consulting

Let’s develop your idea together!

Do you have a sound idea for a start-up? Is your idea embedded in the field of life sciences (biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, etc.)? Do you want to develop your idea with excellent coaches and get straightforward feedback?

Then you are a perfect contestant for our Accelerator Wildcard Challenge!

Together with our partners White IP and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), we’ll devote a day to input and feedback all about your idea. You will learn the Business Model Canvas and Roadmap approaches. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored roadmap for your upcoming challenges.

And the best part is: You may win a wildcard spot in the ELSA program!

Join us there and make the most of this opportunity! Will you be the next Life Science Unicorn? You’ll never know unless you try!

Goals and advantages of the Wildcard Challenge

What do we do at the Wildcard Challenge?

Evaluate your business idea
Create a business model canvas and a roadmap tailored to your idea
Evaluate the innovativeness, marketability, go-to-market options, regulatory aspects, and product security options for your idea
Offer input on investor meetings, as well as strategies for potential partnerships and understanding the customer base

What are your advantages?

You receive free coaching from selected life science experts
You are shown possible stumbling blocks at an early stage
You learn to better understand your potential customers and partners
You add valuable contacts to your personal network

Application procedure

Registration for the Wildcard Challenge is not open yet. If you are interested or have questions about the program, just fill out the contact form to get in touch with us. If you sign up for our newsletter, you will be informed as soon as registration for the Wildcard Challenge opens.

Request

Procedure of the Wildcard Challenge

09.30 to 10.00 AM: Warm-up

Status analysis based on the Business Model Canvas for idea/technology | market | IP | financing

10.00 AM – noon: Work session

Transfer from BMC to the roadmap
1:1 session between teams & coaches

Noon – 1.00 PM: Lunch break

1.00 – 4:00 PM: Work session

Transfer from BMC to the roadmap
1:1 session between teams & coaches

4.00 – 6.00 PM: Next steps

Determining the next steps from roadmap
1:1 session between teams & coaches

6:30 PM: Award ceremony & get-together

Information about the Wildcard Challenge will be published soon. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Jury 2022

Sebastian Mähler

Martin Stammann

Tatjana Kasper

Organizers of the Wildcard Challenge

High-Tech Gründerfonds

HTGF is a seed investor, seeking out and financing technology start-ups that have growth potential. With a volume of around €900 million spread across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has accompanied more than 650 start-ups since 2005. Their team of experienced investment managers and start-up experts supports the young companies with know-how, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion. The focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial tech, life sciences, chemistry, and related business areas. More than €4 billion in capital has been invested in the HTGF portfolio by external investors in more than 1,800 follow-on financing rounds to date. In addition, the fund has sold shares in more than 150 companies.

The fund investors in this public-private partnership include the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, KfW Capital, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and 32 companies.

https://www.htgf.de/en/

white ip group

White IP Business Solutions GmbH is part of the White IP Group, alongside White IP Patent & Legal GmbH. They support pioneering companies with respect to both business management and legal matters in all aspects of innovation. From intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, designs, etc.) to exploitation possibilities, strategies, and realization of business projects, their expertise is your advantage.

White IP can advise start-ups on their strategic orientation, protection and exploitation of their ideas, process design and even corporate transactions.

The White IP Group has a patent law firm and a management consulting company as legally independent entities, giving them the interdisciplinary expertise to partner with you in addressing questions concerning intellectual property rights and business management.

Patent law firm and management consultancy, Dresden | white ip (white-ip.com)

Life Science Factory

The goal of the Life Science Factory is to promote scientific progress in the life science sector and strengthen research and development of innovative technologies that have a clear application focus.

Since January 2022 we have been offering start-ups fully equipped laboratory space, including state-of-the-art equipment, in the Sartorius Quarter.

In its 3,300 m² meter facility, the new Life Science Factory is also home to innovative event and office spaces, as well as the Maker’s Factory.

Life Science Factory (lifescience-factory.com)

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mentor match

Accelerator Entrepreneurship Know How Transfer Networking

charge-free Mentoring Program for Experience Exchange between Life Science Start-ups and Established Companies

In the business world, innovation and experience are equally crucial for long-term success. Our 1:1 mentoring program pairs start-ups from the Life Science Factory with experienced mentors from IHK-affiliated industrial companies to create win-win situations and provide tailored mentoring and reverse mentoring. We prioritize quality over quantity, thus, we follow a “matching as a service” approach, carefully selecting the right contacts for each other to ensure each partnership delivers the maximum benefit.

for Start-ups:

Free access to expertise and the network of experienced mentors
Support in overcoming challenges
Assistance with strategic decisions
Accelerated growth
Access to valuable knowledge and resources
Maximization of innovation potential
Improved market opportunities

for industry partner:

Gaining fresh perspectives and innovative ideas
Identifying future business partners
Early recognition of investment opportunities
Expanding industry knowledge

Our pilot program not only promotes the individual success of participants but also strengthens the entire Life Science ecosystem through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and networks. Together, we aim to create a platform for sustainable growth and innovation.

Registration: Mentor Match Meetup | September 17, 2026

Our Mentor Match program is continuing successfully and is supported by our partners IHK Göttingen, the University’s Transfer & Startup Hub, and the Life Science Factory. At our annual Mentor Match Meetup on site, it’s time once again to deepen the dialogue and look back on successes achieved through innovation, expertise, know-how, and above all, entrepreneurial spirit.

The focus is on networking and personal exchange: We are pleased to invite start-ups and corporate partners to our Mentor Match Meetup, which will take place on September 17, 2026, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Observatory Göttingen (Geismar Landstraße 11).

The agenda includes a unique opportunity to get to know the members of our 1:1 matching concept even better and to make valuable contacts. We also offer exciting ideas and workshops on the topic of entrepreneurship.

Goals & Process

Trustful selection of “matches”

We place great importance on building trust between participants and careful selection of mentors and start-ups to ensure that both sides benefit optimally.

Structured framework for goal-oriented conversations

Our program offers a structured framework (Mentoring Canvas as a tool) that facilitates goal-oriented conversations and effective collaboration.

Breaking down barriers

We help to break down potential barriers and “hesitations” to foster open and productive communication between mentors and mentees.

Feedback and success measurement

Regular feedback is an integral part of our program to ensure continuous improvements and the success of the matching relationship.

Criteria for Participation

For Start-ups:

Member of the Life Science Factory Community
Willingness to participate actively and openness to feedback
Clear goals and expectations for the mentoring

For Mentors:

Member of the IHK Hannover
Extensive experience in the industry with a focus on relevant business areas (HR, finance, production, scaling, etc.)
Willingness to invest time and knowledge

Contact

Interested in being part of the Mentor Match Program? Contact us, and we will select a suitable contact for you!

Catalina Dirks

working student

Industrie- und Handelskammer Hannover
Geschäftsstelle Göttingen
Bürgerstr. 21, 37073 Göttingen

mentormatch@hannover.ihk.de
+49 551 70710124

about IHK

The IHK Hannover serves and represents the interests of over 180,000 member companies in the counties Diepholz, Nienburg, Schaumburg, Hameln-Pyrmont, Hildesheim, Holzminden, Göttingen, Northeim, and the Hannover region. We are headquartered in Hannover, with six offices in the region. As a public-law corporation, we also perform numerous sovereign tasks, especially in vocational training.

The Göttingen office of the IHK Hannover is a regional contact for economy, politics, administration, and media in the counties of Göttingen and Northeim. It represents the interests of member companies locally and offers various services.

More about IHK Hannover

about the Life Science Factory

Initiated by the life science corporation Sartorius, the Life Science Factory promotes scientific advancement and company foundations in the life science area. The goal is to strengthen research and development of innovative technologies with a clear application focus and provide scientists space to take their first steps outside academic institutions.

Since 2022, the Life Science Factory in the Göttingen Sartorius Quarter offers state-of-the-art and fully equipped laboratory spaces, coworking spaces, multi-use event areas, and a prototyping workshop. Regular event, consultation, and workshop offers are an essential part of the Life Science Factory’s services. From the end of 2024, there will be an additional location in Munich in cooperation with Helmholtz Munich.

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Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator

Accelerator Business Plan Entrepreneurship IP Strategy Networking Pitch Training Regulatory Affairs

Ignite your life science startup’s potential with the Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator (ELSA). Hosted by the Life Science Factory and our partners Fraunhofer AHEAD, Helmholtz Munich, and H3 Health Hub, the ELSA program offers a unique opportunity for selected startups to accelerate their growth.

Dive into an intensive program that blends two monthly on-site days with a comprehensive accompanying program, where you’ll gain invaluable insights into market dynamics, customer engagement, strategic planning, and investor relations. There are two tracks per year – one per location in Göttingen and Munich.

Registration for the ELSA program in Göttingen is now open until March 20, 2026! Please fill out the form if you would like to participate in the ELSA Track in Göttingen from April to June.

apply now

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About the ELSA Program

Elevate your startup journey with our accelerator program, supporting your growth through personalized 1:1 sessions with experts and coaches. Dive deep into crucial topics like mastering intellectual property (IP), setting up financing models, and perfecting your pitch. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and seasoned industry experts to propel your projects forward with intensity and focus.

Cap off your experience with our ELSA Pitch Bowl event on June 25, 2026, where you’ll showcase your vision to a panel of expert judges, investors, and a broad audience. All sessions are conducted in English and are free of charge for the selected start-ups.

What you will get out of the ELSA program

Develop a viable business model and market validation
Create a target-group-oriented pitch
Form an entrepreneurial team
Enhance business development and acquisition expertise
Establish a network with relevant partners in the life science industry
Lots of inspiration, learning within the community & a fantastic time

Two Cities.
One Accelerator.

Your Acceleration Journey in Göttingen

Registration for the ELSA program in Göttingen is now open until March 20, 2026! Please fill out the form if you would like to participate in the ELSA program from April to June 2026.

Who can participate?

Individuals, teams or start-ups with a technology related to life sciences (drug development, medtech, biotech, food and more). If you are unsure whether the ELSA program is suitable for you, please feel free to contact us to help you with the decision process.

How does the application process work?

Fill out our contact form, including a pitch deck or a short presentation (e.g., information about technology, market, team, support needs), and submit it. The earlier we receive your application, the sooner we can start the personal exchange and provide optimal support for your idea!

Deadline
Registration is open for the ELSA Track in Göttingen (April – June 2026) until March 20, 2026.

The contents of the ELSA Program – including all coaching and mentoring sessions – is free of charge for the selected start-ups. Travel arrangements and expenses are independently managed by start-ups.

When are the dates and where does the track take place?

Check-in: April 15–16 (Wed + Thu)
Check-in: May 19–20 (Tue + Wed)
Check-in: June 24–25 (Wed + Thu)

Life Science Factory Göttingen
Annastraße 27
37075 Göttingen

Your Acceleration Journey in Munich

Registration for the ELSA program in Munich is currently closed. You are welcome to join the waiting list and we will inform you as soon as registration is possible.

Who can participate?

How does the application process work?

When are the dates and where does the track take place?

The dates are from October to December. The exact days will be announced later.

Life Science Factory Munich
@Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Oberschleißheim

be informed

apply for the ELSA Track

Registration for the ELSA Track in Göttingen is now open! Please fill out the form if you would like to participate in the ELSA program in Göttingen from April to June 2026.

apply now

success stories

Get to know the ELSA start-ups from recent years!

„CAELIA is digitizing one of the last analog areas in medicine – respiratory care. This innovation won over the jury.”

CAELIA-Health

Winner of the Jury Prize, 2025

„ENDURIVAC won the audience award with its innovative vaccine technology, which induces lasting immunity after a single vaccination.”

ENDURIVAC

Winner of the Audience Award, 2025

„Avocet Bio won the audience award and received the most votes for its innovative RNA modulation platform, which aims to revolutionize the treatment of respiratory infections and beyond.”

Avocet Bio GmbH

Winner of the Audience Award, 2024

„ASAP impressed the expert jury and secured the jury prize with its AI-supported histological image analysis, paving the way for faster and more accurate findings in cardiovascular research.”

ASAP

Winner of the Jury Prize, 2024

„Inhale+ is revolutionizing inhalation therapy for premature babies. Its innovative approach impressed our jury.”

Inhale+

Winner of the Jury Prize, 2023

„Fluorizon is a contract research organization specializing in highly effective radio labeling for drug development. This approach won them the public vote.”

Fluorizon

Winner of the Audience Award, 2023