Merck China Accelerator Launches Its First Cohort to Foster Innovation with Startups

SHANGHAI, April 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, a leading global science and technology company, today announced the official launch of its inaugural China Accelerator program. Six startups will move into the Merck China Innovation Center to engage in a three-month collaboration with Merck experts.

The Accelerator Program is one of the most important initiatives of the Merck China Innovation Center. Launched in 2018, its primary objective is to identify potential collaboration opportunities and establish sustainable partnerships within Merck’s business scope and innovation domains. In spring 2019, following an initial recruitment phase and selection by more than 170 experts, six startups were ultimately selected for the Merck Accelerator from among candidates in innovative fields such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare, life sciences, high-performance materials, liquid biopsy technology, biosensing, and interface technologies. Over the subsequent three months, these startups will engage in innovative collaborations with Merck, receiving support from both internal and external resources, project guidance, and funding of up to €50,000. Interested and qualified startups will also have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program at Merck’s global headquarters in Germany, thereby gaining access to global network resources and exploring the European market.

MerckMs. Sun Zhengjie, Managing Director of the China Innovation Center, emphasized: “Through our accelerator program, we aim to identify new technologies and solutions for Merck, accelerating collaboration with local technology partners and the development of innovation projects. We also seek to empower startups that are well-suited to partner with Merck, helping them thrive in the Chinese market and even expand globally.”

At the launch ceremony, Dr. Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and the Family Council of Merck KGaA, introduced the company’s 351-year history.

Merck China President Gao Bo An emphasized China's important role in the implementation of Merck's global strategy, as well as Merck's development ambitions in China.

MerckSun Zhengjie, Managing Director of the China Innovation Center, delivered a speech to congratulate the six startups on their official entry into the accelerator and introduced the three-month project roadmap. She stated that AI-driven health solutions have been identified by Merck as a key area of innovation in China, such as leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic rates, improve clinical trials, and introduce digital therapeutics within Merck’s leading therapeutic areas.

Ms. Sun Zhengjie believes that “innovation requires‘Link’Diverse forces, fresh perspectives, and groups from various fields can sometimes play a crucial role. The Merck China Innovation Center is committed to a dual-focused approach—internally inspiring employees and experts, while externally exploring the innovation ecosystem to identify and develop new technologies and solutions that address local needs in the Chinese market, thereby contributing to Merck’s global business and innovation efforts.”The Accelerator is a key initiative of Merck China Innovation Center’s “outside-in” open innovation strategy. By linking promising startups and outstanding ideas relevant to Merck’s business with internal teams, it aims to spark innovation on both sides and foster mutually beneficial collaborative projects.

China is transforming into a high-tech, innovation-driven economy, with industries such as materials, green technology, and biotechnology poised for rapid growth over the next decade. China’s innovative environment and swift development provide Merck KGaA and its partners with opportunities for mutual growth. As an important strategic market for Merck KGaA, this transformation has driven the company to continuously strengthen its investment in innovation in China. In 2018, Merck KGaA announced the establishment of an Innovation Center in China. Within just one year, the Innovation Center team forged partnerships with institutions and enterprises such as Peking University and the BGI-Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Center, collaborated with the Pingshan District Government of Shenzhen to successfully co-organize the Anti-Cancer Technology Professional Competition of the 2nd International Session of the China Shenzhen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and launched innovation-focused initiatives such as “Technology Day.” Leveraging the China Accelerator Program, Merck KGaA will further promote the development of innovative projects in China.