The Innovation Cup is an initiative for post-graduate students in natural sciences, computer sciences, and business administration to attend a training program near Frankfurt, Germany. All travel, food and accommodation expenses are paid by us. Posters and flyers providing further information about the event can be found at the links given above.

The Innovation Cup is designed to support the professional development of post-graduate students interested in the pharmaceutical, chemical and digital industry. Participants learn how R&D in the industry works by lectures from Merck managers and scientists. The students will also advance an idea to a full project plan with their teams. The event brings together a promising new generation of talent with senior managers and researchers and accomplished retirees in a meeting of the generations. It also provides a unique chance to network with the brightest students from all around the world. Teams will work on innovative projects in the areas of: Oncology, Neuroscience & Immunology, Drug Discovery, Green Chemistry, Digital Health, Neuro-inspired AI Inference Acceleration and Smart Manufacturing. At the first day of the summer camp a conference with alumni from previous editions will be organized.

Postdocs and post-graduate students on their way towards a PhD in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, biotechnology, computer sciences, data sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy, engineering or related fields are invited to apply. In addition, advanced MBA students or recent MBA graduates with an interest in the pharmaceutical, chemical and digital business and a background in natural sciences or computer sciences are also eligible.

The participating teams have the chance to win the Innovation Cup award endowed with EUR 20,000 for the most convincing project plan, plus EUR 5,000 and EUR 3,000 for the runner-ups. Best ideas will be evaluated for implementation. Best participants can enter a top talent program for a permanent position. 

Applications can be submitted here: http://innovationcup.merckgroup.com, http://innovationcup.emdgroup.com