The European Life Science conference Biovaria is restructuring its proven pitch format and is accepting applications for the revised “Biovaria Startup Pitch & Partner” program until February 15, 2026. Interested biotech, medtech, and digital health startups can present their innovations to investors and industry representatives and compete for the “BioVaria Startup Award”. Prize money of up to €2,000 is at stake.
Both early-stage teams in the pre-seed phase or companies founded within the last four years, as well as growth-oriented startups interested in follow-up funding, are eligible.
A jury of leading venture capitalists, technology transfer organizations, and industry experts will select up to 15 startups from all applications. These will pitch live on the main stage of Biovaria, present their business ideas, and network with investors and established companies in biotech and pharma. The program is supplemented by speed dating sessions and individual meetings with potential investors.
Prize money is tiered: €1,000 in the “Emerging” segment and €2,000 in the “Rising” segment. In addition, winners benefit from media attention and investor networks.
A stage for biotech startups
The event is considered one of Europe’s leading platforms for life science technology transfer and startup presentations and serves as an interface between science, the startup ecosystem, and capital providers. With the new pitch format, Biovaria lowers the barrier for early-stage and growth-oriented companies to gain visibility and investor contacts. The combination of a stage, jury evaluation, prize money, and intensive networking offers a structural opportunity to develop market-ready solutions from research projects. The program specifically addresses the needs of startups that have just been founded or are preparing for their next funding round. Ascenion and Max Planck Innovation are responsible for organizing the event.
