The Spinoff Prize is a prestigious global award from Nature and Merck that offers a €30,000 prize plus international visibility to early-stage university spinouts. This award provides a unique and free opportunity for academic entrepreneurs to increase their company’s profile and attract potential investors. It is designed to enhance the visibility of these entrepreneurs and their companies, aiding them in securing future investment. Applications are open until 7th January 2024.
Who’s it for?
- Early-stage spinoff companies that translate high-quality scientific research into market-oriented products and services, with a focus on creating a positive societal impact.
- Spinoffs in life sciences or physical sciences, inclusive of digital technology approaches like artificial intelligence, deep learning, neuromorphic computing, and quantum computing.
How does it work?
Shortlisted and longlisted spinoffs will be profiled in an online special report published in Nature, alongside a list of companies deemed ‘ones to watch.’ Shortlisted spinoffs will pitch to the slam panels live at Merck’s Curious2024 – Future Insight™ conference. After this event, one winner will be awarded a €30,000 cash prize. All eligible applicants will receive a complimentary online ticket to the Curious2024 – Future Insight™ conference.
Hyunwoo Yuk from SanaHeal, winner of the Spinoff Prize 2022/23 stated: “It was a truly enjoyable and educational experience to participate in The Spinoff Prize, helping us clarify our goal and commercialisation plan as well as reminding us of our original passion that made us spinoff from the university lab to bring our technology to the real world. The recognition and award from The Spinoff Prize will help us to achieve the next commercialisation milestones to make us one step closer to our ultimate goal of commercialisation and benefiting patients.”
Eligibility Criteria:
- The company must have been registered on or after September 11, 2018, and not be based in certain restricted countries.
- Eligibility criteria include the requirement for the spinoff to be a separate legal entity, independent of its originating university or research institute.
- Applicants should be employees of the spinoff and have approval from the originating research institute.
Learn more about the prize and eligibility criteria here.
Key dates:
