LIFE SCIENCES STARTUPS

DEADLINE: 23 September 2024

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Bringing a life sciences innovation to the market has its own characteristics. In UtrechtInc’s Life Sciences Validation Program, you will learn how to take your life sciences idea from concept to market. Designed for scientists, doctors, and employees of Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, and Hogeschool Utrecht, this program provides the business acumen and support you need to turn your feasibility study into a thriving startup.

During our 8-month, part-time program you spend one to two mornings and/or afternoons per month engaging in masterclasses, receiving expert coaching, and participating in networking events to refine your entrepreneurial skills and validate your market idea. You work with mentors and professional service partners who provide personalized advice, guiding you through every step of your market validation journey.

Included

Mentorship & coaching – Personalized coaching and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and executives, and group sessions with fellow startups.

Team development – We foster not just your business, but also your personal growth. We assist in building a well-rounded, complementary team.

Value proposition design – Work with your team to devise a compelling value proposition, crafting an irresistible offering for your customers.

Working space – A flex desk in our coworking space, or a dedicated office amongst other innovative startups.

Graduate network – Join our network of 350+ startups, benefit from access to our industry experts, and connect to relevant peers.

Pitch perfect – Regular opportunities to practice your pitch, ensuring you are primed to present your story compellingly whenever the opportunity arises.

Funding opportunities – Present your concept to the jury of the Rabo Pre-seed Fund, with potential access to a loan of up to €68,000.

Topics include

• Validating your research in the market
• Customer discovery
• Business models
• Pitching
• Sales
• Finance, Equity & Funding
• Intellectual property
• Culture & Talent
• Grants & Subsidies

Cost & availability

The program is free for Utrecht researchers and scientists.
We run the validation programs twice per year.

Next edition

• Application deadline: 23 September 2024
• Selection of onepagers: 24 September 2024
• Selection pitches: 26 September 2024 (morning)
• Start date: 14 October 2024
• Final event: June 2025

• We already have a couple of customers and even raised funding. Are we still a fit?

  If you already validated your idea and have a strong team, customers and first investment. We advise you to consider the Foundership community, as it could be a better fit.

• I am a solo founder. Can I still apply?

  Yes, as a single founder you are allowed to apply to our programs. However, we are firm believers of strong and diverse teams, so we encourage you to start looking for team members as soon as possible. One of the ways we can help you is through our talent matching events.

• Does UtrechtInc help me with investments and funding?

  UtrechtInc does not invest itself in startups. We have a large network of formal and informal investors and we have a good understanding of the funding landscape. Through UtrechtInc, program participants can apply for a soft loan from the Rabo Pre-seed Fund, for an amount up to €68,000.

• What kind of startups are you looking for?

  UtrechtInc specializes in scalable technology innovations with a focus on health, sustainability, education and AI. If you are doubting whether or not your idea falls into one of these categories, please feel free to contact the UtrechtInc team.

• Where will the program take place?

  UtrechtInc’s validation program takes place in our incubator which is located at Utrecht Science Park. This is the largest science park in the Netherlands, with the highest concentration of knowledge institutions within a small surface area. Besides that, the Utrecht region has the highest density of startups per capita in the Netherlands.

• Does UtrechtInc take equity in my startup?

  UtrechtInc does not take equity in your startup. However, startups with a revenue over €150k, pay a small success fee in years 3,4 and 5 after participation in the program.