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Wildcard Challenge
1x a year
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.
RequestProcedure 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
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.
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.
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ELSA Pitch Bowl
Entrepreneural Life Science Accelerator ELSA Pitch Bowl – Future Life Science Innovation on stage
15 life science start-ups and founding teams, an expert jury with 3 personalities from the investment sector, 3 renowned program partners and plenty of room for innovation, inspiration, and exchange – welcome to this year’s ELSA Pitch Bowl in Göttingen!
ELSA stands for Entrepreneurial Life Science Accelerator and describes the path that our academic startup teams have taken over the last few months: Within three intensive check-ins at the Life Science Factory, the teams received 1:1 coaching sessions, impulses from industry experts and valuable support to sharpen their business model and validate their startup idea. The ELSA program is run by the partners Fraunhofer AHEAD, Helmholtz Munich and the Life Science Factory, and the ELSA Pitch Bowl is the final event in front of a broad audience.
Event
ELSA Pitch Bowl
11. December, 2025
Sheddachhalle at Sartorius Quartier
Annastraße 29
37075 Göttingen
Format
In 3-minute pitches, the 15 founding teams present their development in the areas of idea, market, and team, and receive on-stage feedback and critical questions from an experienced investor jury, which awards a prize to the most promising team. A joint closing with snacks and drinks rounds off the evening and will offer space for exchange and networking.
AGENDA 2025
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17:45
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Intro & ELSA Program Highlights |
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18:00
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Pitches2LIP, CAELIA, INTERDEL, HistoSight, TissueMind, SmartMembrane, Organicer, Aarogenix, EDY, BloodSnap, EpiPhaGo, DERMacs, TrafInhib, ReTree, ENDURIVAC |
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19:15
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Jury Decision |
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19:30
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Networking |
contact
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life science start-up day
1x a year
about the program
In Germany, start-ups are gaining more attention all the time, and “start-up founder” is now widely seen as a realistic career option. However, researchers and start-ups in the life sciences face special challenges when it comes to implementing technology transfer and establishing themselves in the market.
The Life Science Start-up Day is a conference for those who have founded a company and those who wish to, as well as for scientists and other network partners, with the purpose of facilitating exchange within the life science community.
More about the Life Science Start-up Day can be found here.
Cooperation partners
contact
learn more
Would you like to know more about the initiators and the programme? Then take a look at the website!
to the website
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Sprind podcast live on stage in göttingen
September 2023
Live podcast with SPRIND
The renowned SPRIND Podcast of the Federal Agency for Leap Innovations for the first time live on stage
On September 06, 2023, the Life Science Factory invites innovation lovers, startup enthusiasts, and visionaries nationwide when the renowned SPRIND Podcast from the Federal Leap Innovation Agency will be recorded live on stage for the first time.
Join us for two exciting sessions interviewing two of the brightest minds of our time. Innovators with a drive to revolutionize the life sciences industry will share first-hand with the audience how their inventions are advancing humanity and how they are overcoming obstacles and taking innovative approaches on the startup journey. After the podcast recordings, we invite you to join us for networking. Over snacks and drinks, you can interact with other participants and guests of the Innovation Ecosystem. We look forward to an engaged and inspiring audience!
? Event
SPRIND Live Podcast
September 06, 2023 starting at 4:30 p.m.
Shed Roof Hall
Annastrasse 29
37075 Goettingen
?️ Format
The SPRIND Podcast serves as a platform to discuss breakthrough innovations, new technologies and forward-thinking ideas.
2x 30 minute live interviews will take place on stage followed by an interactive Q&A session for your questions from the audience.
Our podcast guests are Amelie Reigl from Tiger Shark Science and Prof. Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann from the University Medical Center Göttingen. They will be interviewed by host and journalist Dr. Thomas Ramge.
? Registration
First come, first serve – register with just two clicks and secure your place in the audience!
to the registration
Sign up here for the SPRIND Live Podcast on 06.09.2023!
registerSpeakers
SPRIN-D
Co Founder Tiger Shark Science
University Medical Center Göttingen and Serial Entrepreneur
Schedule
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16:00 - 16:30
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AdmissionWelcome to the live podcast event of SPRIND in cooperation with the Life Science Factory in Göttingen! |
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16:30 - 17:00
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Live Podcast with Amelie ReiglCo Founder Tiger Shark Science |
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17:00 - 17:15
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Q&A SessionIn the interactive Q&A session you can ask the speakers live questions.. |
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17:15 - 17:45
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Live Podcast with Prof. Wolfram-Hubertus ZimmermannInstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology University Medical Center Göttingen and Serial Entrepreneur |
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17:45 - 18:00
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Q&A SessionIn the interactive Q&A session you can ask the speakers live questions. |
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Afterwards
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Get TogetherYou can exchange ideas with the other participants over snacks and drinks. |
Contact
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Investor matching
Every quarter
The Life Science Factory in Göttingen is more than just an incubator for life science start-ups. It is a meeting place for people with innovative ideas and those who have the financial means to support the implementation of these ideas into reality – the investors. With this goal in mind, we organize an exclusive Investor Matching @Life Science Factory once per quarter with 1:1 matching based on investment focus and start-up phase.
Our Investor Days is not only a forum for the exchange of ideas, but also a platform for potential partnerships. It brings together startups at the forefront of innovation in areas such as drug development, therapeutics, tools, medtech, food, agritech and more with investors looking for promising investment opportunities.
Our main goal is to foster transparent communication between investors and startups, laying the foundation for successful partnerships. We look forward to welcoming you at our next Investor Day @Life Science Factory!
For Investors
The Investor Day @Life Science Factory offers you the opportunity to get to know and evaluate a variety of start-ups in a very short time. We invite start-ups for a 1:1 matching, aligned with your investment focus.
your benefits
- Efficiency: In a compact period of time, you will have the opportunity to get to know and evaluate a large number of startups.
- Focused selection: Our 1:1 matching allows you to search specifically for startups that match your specific requirements and interests.
- High Quality: Our pre-selection and matching process ensures that only relevant startups are presented, increasing the quality of the meetings and the chances for investment opportunities.
For Start-ups:
This is your chance to present your innovative concept and get direct feedback from professional investors. You will have 30-60 minutes to pitch your business idea – from non-binding exchanges to concrete investment opportunities, everything is possible. We focus on start-ups from the life science sector in the broadest sense, including drug development, therapeutics, tools, medtech, food, agritech, etc.
your benefits
- Simplified access to investors: Benefit from our network and get in direct contact with potential investors.
- Needs-based preparation: With our 1:1 matching, you can tailor your pitch to the specific interests and requirements of the investors.
Application
Are you an investor and curious about the start-ups of the Life Science Factory? Then Irina Reimer, Venture Director, will be happy to hear from you at info@lifescience-factory.com.
You are part of a start-up and want to participate in the next Investor Day? Then apply to Martin Strehle, Venture & Community Manager, at info@lifescience-factory.com.
Contact
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SynBio World Cafe
27th & 28th of June
meet us @ SynBio World Cafe
This is an annual series of events that brings together key players from science and industry to discuss the current state and the future of synthetic biology in Germany. At the moment this is a flourishing field of research and as such is receiving a lot of attention. As it grows, synthetic biology will help us meet emerging challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other problems of our time. The concept of synthetic biology virtually radiates momentum and potential, particularly on an international level – but are we doing enough in Germany to keep up?
more about SynBio World Cafe
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.
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!
register
Catalina Dirks
working student
Industrie- und Handelskammer Hannover
Geschäftsstelle Göttingen
Bürgerstr. 21, 37073 Göttingen
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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Investor Days Thuringia
meet us @ Investor Days
Thuringia Investor Days are held once a year, bringing start-ups and investors together. The aim of the event is to highlight new innovations, create new collaborations, and generate the best possible deal flow. Last year the Pitch Stage platformed as many as 36 start-ups and scale-ups.
More about Investor Days
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.
Registration is currently closed.
If you would like to be notified when the application period reopens, please register here.
notify meAbout 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, 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
meet the coaches
Freelance Business Consultant Biotechnology, TGM Consult
Lawyer/Senior Associate, Neuwerk
Life Science Consultant
Corporate M&A/Business Development, Sartorius
Managing Director, Life Science Factory
Consultant, MedTech360
Managing Director, Arkadien Finanz GmbH
Business Designer, Freelance Consultant
Lawyer/Senior Associate, Neuwerk
Senior Partner, Future Medical Systems
Founder & Managing Director, FINNOVAL GmbH
Consultant, FINNOVAL GmbH
Equity Portfolio Manager, Ascenion
Investment Associate, Life Science Valley Ventures Management GmbH
Healthcare Entrepreneur
Freelance Leadership Coach & Consultant
Head of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Munich
Venture & Community Manager, Life Science Factory
Global Innovation Manager, Evonik
Partner, Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Your Acceleration Journey
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 currently closed.
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.
success stories
CAELIA is digitizing one of the last analog areas in medicine - respiratory care. This innovation won over the jury.
ENDURIVAC won the audience award with its innovative vaccine technology, which induces lasting immunity after a single vaccination.
Avocet Bio claimed the Audience Award, earning the most votes with their innovative RNA-modulation platform, which aims to transform treatments for respiratory viral infections and beyond.
ASAP impressed the expert jury and secured the Jury Prize with their AI-driven histological image analysis, paving the way for faster and more precise insights in cardiovascular disease research.
Inhale+ is transforming inhalation therapy for preterm infants. Their innovative approach impressed our jury.
Fluorizon is a CRO specializing in high-yield radiolabeling for drug development. With this approach, they won the audience vote.
Advylop's PEG alternative retains production benefits while reducing allergies and side effects in chronic disease treatments.
partners
Contact & Location
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Analytica / Finance Days
meet us @ Investor Days
Thuringia Investor Days are held once a year, bringing start-ups and investors together. The aim of the event is to highlight new innovations, create new collaborations, and generate the best possible deal flow. Last year the Pitch Stage platformed as many as 36 start-ups and scale-ups.
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