Deadline Date: January 31, 2026
The Merck Innovation Cup 2026 offers postgraduate students an exclusive opportunity to engage in a one-week summer camp near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, fostering innovation in science, technology, and business.
Focus Areas: The 2026 Innovation Cup will comprise teams working on the following topics: oncology, neuroscience & immunology, drug discovery, fertility, synthetic biology, smart facturing and advanced electronic materials.
Organized by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the Innovation Cup 2026 aims to bring together talented postgraduate students from the natural sciences, computer sciences, and business administration to collaborate with industry experts and mentors. A total of 42 selected participants will attend an intensive week of presentations and teamwork focused on generating innovative business ideas. Each team will receive coaching and guidance from Merck managers, scientists, and experienced retirees while developing a business plan addressing a specific scientific challenge.
During the summer camp, participants will explore the essentials of research and development in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and digital industries. They will gain insights into how new products are successfully discovered, developed, and introduced to the market, while also learning about career opportunities within Merck KGaA and its affiliates. The camp will also feature a conference with alumni from previous Innovation Cup editions, fostering connections and knowledge exchange across generations of innovators.
At the end of the program, each team will present its business plan to a grand jury composed of Merck top management and external experts. The winning team will receive the Innovation Cup award and a cash prize of EUR 20,000, with EUR 5,000 and EUR 3,000 awarded to the runner-ups. In addition to the recognition, options to implement the best business plans will be evaluated. Outstanding participants may also receive offers for permanent employment at Merck KGaA or its affiliates.
The Innovation Cup 2026 will take place from August 8 to 14, 2026, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Merck KGaA will cover travel, accommodation, and food expenses for all selected participants. Applications will be open online from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
For more information, visit Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
