Merck Life Science Korea launches 2025 startup contest to foster next-generation biotech innovators

Merck Life Science Korea has launched its Advance Biotech Grant Program 2025 Korea, aiming to identify and support promising early-stage companies in Korea’s biopharmaceutical and synthetic drug sectors.

Merck Life Science Korea has launched its Advance Biotech Grant Program 2025 Korea to support early-stage Korean biotech startups with funding, mentorship, and exposure at BIX 2025.

Now in its third year, the competition reflects Merck’s continued commitment to nurturing the country’s innovation ecosystem and addressing the critical challenges faced by startups engaged in drug development. The Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ K-Bio Lab Hub program co-sponsored the initiative.

The contest is also part of Merck’s broader global strategy, which since 2014 has included various innovation partnership programs across North America, Europe, and Asia to accelerate scientific research and commercialization.

Korean startups developing novel therapeutics are eligible to apply via the official Merck Life Science Korea website starting Monday. The application period runs through Aug. 14. Interested companies must fill out an online application and submit the necessary documents via email.

Full registration is completed through the “Apply Now” button on the designated webpage.

The contest will evaluate applicants based on several criteria, including the multidimensional impact of their technology, level of innovation, development stage, and potential to address unmet challenges in the biopharma space. A panel of experts from Merck Life Science’s process solutions business unit will select the finalist.

Four winning teams will receive a combined 350 million won ($217,694) worth of Merck products and services and exclusive access to the K-Bio Lab Hub’s membership program.

The finalists will also be able to present their technologies during a dedicated session and award ceremony at BioPlus-Interphex Korea 2025 (BIX 2025).

“This contest underscores Merck’s commitment to empowering biotech startups with outstanding potential,” Merck Life Science Korea Head of Process Solutions Kim Yong-seog said. “We will continue actively supporting the growth of Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and contribute to building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.”