The Merck Group Innovation Cup is a prestigious one-week summer camp that brings together the brightest post-graduate students and postdocs from around the world. Held near Merck’s headquarters in Germany, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from professionals, network with peers and senior management, and develop a comprehensive business plan for an innovative product. Teams compete for a significant cash prize by presenting their proposals to a panel of experts.
Program Benefits
- Grand Prize: The winning team receives a prize of €20,000. The runner-up team receives €5,000.
- Fully Funded Experience: Merck covers all travel, accommodation, and food expenses for the duration of the one-week summer camp.
- Intensive Training: Participants work in teams to develop a business plan, receiving guidance on R&D, finance, and marketing from experienced Merck professionals.
- Networking: The program provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with top students, researchers, and senior managers from Merck.
- Career Opportunities: Participants can explore job opportunities and may be offered a permanent position at Merck.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Field of Study: A post-graduate student (e.g., Master’s, MBA, Ph.D.) or a recent post-doctoral fellow in life sciences, computer sciences, data sciences, or business administration.
- Area of Interest: Have a strong interest in the fields of Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics, with a focus on areas like oncology, immuno-oncology, drug discovery technologies, digital health, and sustainability.
- Availability: Must be available to attend the full one-week training program in Germany.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the official Merck Innovation Cup online portal.
- Selection: A jury will select the top applicants to participate in the summer camp. The selection is based on academic performance, professional experience, and the applicant’s innovative thinking.
Application Link:
For complete details and to submit your application, please visit the official Merck Group Innovation Cup page.
