lifesciences@work accelerator programme
In three stages the LS@W accelerator helps scientists build their own business
LifeSciences@Work (LS@W) is the national accelerator for high-potential startups in drug development, medical devices and diagnostics. LS@W helps life sciences researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs to build their business.
The accelerator programme contains three different stages:
Stage 1: Venture Challenge
Develop your idea into a solid business case during a ten-week programme with bootcamps, 1-on-1 coaching and mentoring.
Stage 2: Expert Classes
Strengthen your business case with expert advice through masterclasses in IP and licensing, funding and partnerships, clinical trials and regulatory affairs, and health technology assessment and reimbursement.
Stage 3: Value Centre
Get connected to the right partner to increase your success rate and speed up the development to a successful market introduction.
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Venture Challenge
The Venture Challenge is a must-do opportunity for all life sciences researchers who are thinking about starting a company based on their results or aspiring biotech or medtech entrepreneurs who want to sharpen their business case.
An intense ten-week programme with workshops and 1-on-1 coaching from experienced business coaches, industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, will help you to:
- analyse customer value propositions
- identify key risks and assumptions
- develop a validation and de-risking strategy
- build a solid venture plan and pitch
- connect with relevant experts and early-stage life sciences investors
Marijana Radonjic, CEO of EdgeLeap:
"The Venture Challenge was the right thing to do for us while shifting gears from an idea of starting a business to actually doing it. It gave us an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience about key aspects of entrepreneurship - and to fall for it 100%! Supported by a great team of coaches, the Venture Challenge gave us a boost of inspiration and the necessary confidence to take that final leap. After five years in business and counting, we can safely say that it was the best leap ever."
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Expert Classes
The Expert Classes are a series of targeted hands-on masterclasses by seasoned industry experts on relevant topics for life sciences and medical technology startups. Besides the masterclasses, the experts are also available for 1-on-1 mentoring and consultations. Topics of the expert classes include IP and licensing, funding and partnerships, clinical trials and regulatory affairs, and health technology assessment and reimbursement.
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Value Centre
Growth ambitions can be realised by using the expertise of other companies. The Value Centre brings together service providers in the life sciences & health sector to benefit life sciences startups and companies with growth ambitions. With the Medtech and Biotech Meetings, startups can enter into a unique network to strengthen their business.
How does it work?
Biotech or medtech startups pitch their proposition and end with the articulation of particular issues they have to deal with in the nearby future. These requests for external expertise can address several subjects (technical, service related and financial).
Partners, who are seated in the audience, can respond to these requests by 'raising their hands' after the startups have stated their questions. After the plenary matchmaking, we link the startup with the partner so they can follow-up in private.
Value Vouchers
Besides the matchmaking, the Value Centre also offers Value Vouchers of 10,000 euros that a startup can use to hire external expertise. Since 2015, 40 Value Vouchers have been awarded to biotech and medtech startups, such as CC Diagnostics, Momo Medical, Prolira and Quirem.
Jan Sigger, CEO of Quirem: "A voucher from the Value Centre enables companies like ours to acquire the expert knowledge we need to develop the product further. The voucher makes it easier to accelerate decisions, and the Value Centre can help a company with the necessary network and partners."