SmiLe launches BioTech program with German BioM and Merck

In collaboration with one of Europe's leading biotechnology clusters, Bio^M, in Germany, SmiLe now launches a new, international training program, BioTech Bootcamp. The program, which is sponsored by Merck, a global leader in pharmaceuticals and life science technology, is based on SmiLe's successful Bootcamp concept and is tailored for future entrepreneurs who want to develop and commercialize their business ideas in biotechnology.

BioTech Bootcamp is an eight-week digital training program, where up to 12 teams from Sweden, Denmark and Germany get the opportunity to develop their business ideas with the help of life science experts from SmiLe, Bio^Mand Merck. Through expert lectures, individual coaching and mentorship, the participants receive training in entrepreneurship and a unique insight into the BioTech industry in order to prepare them for meeting investors, pharmaceutical companies and other industry players already at an early stage.

“There is a lot of good research in biotechnology at our universities, but we need to be better at utilizing and commercializing it. We are therefore extremely proud of the tailor-made Bootcamp program for future BioTech entrepreneurs we have developed together with Bio^M. We are especially pleased with our new collaboration with Merck, as a sponsor they will contribute with important industrial expertise and an exciting award," says Ebba Fåhraeus, VD för SmiLe.

BioTech Bootcamp creates a platform for entrepreneurs to verify their development plans and product ideas, exchange knowledge and network with peers in an international environment. The program also provides valuable contacts to the pharmaceutical industry as well as the major life science clusters in Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

“We are delighted to launch the BioTech Bootcamp together with SmiLe. Based on our complementary expertise, we have developed a unique curriculum. In addition to providing access to the networks of two European Biotech hotspots, the program will boost the chances of the participating teams to build successful start-ups,” says Dr. Petra Burgstaller, Head of InQlab, Bio^M Biotech Cluster Development GmbH.

“Merck is committed to supporting Emerging Biotech companies across Europe. The Merck EMEA Emerging Biotech team consult, guide and support start-up companies in navigating the often complex landscape of bringing a therapeutic candidate to market. We are proud to sponsor the Biotech Bootcamp and look forward to being able to offer access to Merck’s unique expertise as a global player in the life science arena,” says Sasha Tanner, Associate Director, Customer Applications Emerging Biotech and Novel Modalities – EMEA.

BioTech Bootcamp starts on September 6, 2021 and ends with the BioEntrepreneurship Summit week run byBio^M, where the participants have the opportunity to meet other European entrepreneurs, representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and investors. In addition to this, Merck will award two winners with a trip to their M Lab™ Collaboration Center in Molsheim, France  to meet experts and build networks. The center is Merck’s first in Europe, providing biopharmaceutical manufacturers with an opportunity to collaborate closely with Merck scientists and engineers to solve their toughest challenges and accelerate development of new therapies.

After completing the program there is a possibility for the participants to be accepted into more extensive programs at SmiLe to realize their business ideas. 

For more information: Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO of SmiLe, tel:  +46 73 400 04 33

About Bio^M

Bio^M is the central network organization for the biotechnology sector in Munich and Bavaria, commissioned by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. A non-profit organization, Bio^M has been accelerating biomedical innovation since 1997, supporting more than 200 startups and SMEs through customized services, events, networks and training. 

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Our comprehensive life science portfolio supports biologics manufacturers during all stages of drug production. 
The journey from large molecule to approved biotherapeutic is long, costly, complex, and fraught with risk – yet rewards for success are substantial. From bench to full-scale production, we offer a full range of raw materials, tools, services, and technologies, from off-the-shelf to customizable, to accelerate development, optimization and scale-up of your process. Our in-house experts have decades of bioprocessing experience and will collaborate with you to tackle any development and processing challenge, as well as provide guidance on regulatory expectations and testing requirements to meet your compliance needs.