Merck, a leading science and technology company, announces the start of its equity-free accelerator program for digital health startups. Just as the big bang shaped the universe, Merck Accelerator is looking for startups with the potential to reshape entire industries and make people's lives richer.
Merck Accelerator programs in both, Darmstadt (Germany) and Nairobi (Kenya), welcomes candidates from all over the world.
The three-month program in Nairobi, Kenya, will support three startups in the field of digital health with working space at the Nairobi Garage, an equity-free funding of 15,000 USD as well as opening the doors to Merck's global network of experts for ongoing coaching and mentoring.
"With our program in Nairobi and our growing international network, we made a first big step to go truly global with our accelerator. We want to create a platform where the potential to execute ideas is not limited by location," says Michael Gamber, Head of Merck Innovation Center.
The three-month program in Germany comes with an equity-free funding of 25,000 Euros, regular coachings and office space at the Merck Innovation Center at the headquarters in Darmstadt. Both programs are going to be strongly connected in terms of expertise and knowledge exchange to grow a global Accelerator network.
"Coming from a global company we also want to develop our accelerator program to become a global platform. The execution of an idea should not be limited by the conditions of the location where it was born," explains Gamber.
Interested founder teams can apply for both of the programs until February 29th, 2016.
For further information and to submit an application, please visit:
https://accelerator.merckgroup.com
About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2014, Merck generated sales of € 11.3 billion in 66 countries.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.