⚡️International Innovation Competition in Germany for Master's and PhD Students

The Merck Innovation Cup is an international summer competition for Master's, PhD, and postdoc students in the fields of life sciences, data, and tech.

What is this program?

🔵August 8–14, 2026, near Frankfurt
🔵Participants from all over the world
🔵Teamwork + mentoring from Merck experts
🔵Development of a business case for real-world industry challenges

What's covered
🔵Flights
🔵Accommodation
🔵Meals

Prizes
🔵€20,000 — for the winners
🔵€5,000 — 2nd place
🔵€3,000 — 3rd place

The best participants may be offered a job at Merck or have their project considered.

Who can apply

🔵Master's and PhD students in the following fields: biology, medicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computer/data science, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, engineering
🔵Postdocs
🔵Advanced MBA / recent MBA with a background in life sciences

Deadline: January 31, 2026