13. BioRiver Boost! 2026 ​

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Fill out the online application

• The application period is September 28–November 10, 2026.
• If you have any questions, please contact the BioRiver office.

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The BioRiver office reviews the applications for formal errors and forwards all applications to the BioRiver Boost! jury.

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Individual evaluation of the applications by the BioRiver Boost! jury members based on specific criteria, such as technology, market, team, and financing plan.

This year, the jury will once again be composed of top executives from global life sciences companies headquartered in the Rhineland and North Rhine-Westphalia.

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Based on the evaluations of all judges, a ranking of the applications will be determined. The top 8 startups will be selected as finalists for BioRiver Boost! 2026 and invited to the closing event.

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The finalists will be invited to a one-day, free, professional pitch training session.

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As one of 8 finalist startups, you are invited to present on December 3, 2026, in front of an audience consisting of the jury and industry experts at Capital 4 Life Science at the Design Offices Fürst and Friedrich in Düsseldorf in front of the jury and an audience of industry experts. Your presentation will be followed immediately by a Q&A session with the jury and the audience.

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Following both pitch sessions, the jury will meet in a closed-door session to select the top 3 startup projects.

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Later in the day, the BIO.NRW Business Angel Congress will take place. There, you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with business angels and investors. BioRiver Boost! concludes with an awards ceremony honoring the top three startups. The best team will receive the BioRiver Boost! Award. The BioRiver Boost! prizes will be presented by high-ranking industry representatives.

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Through professional coverage of BioRiver Boost! 2026 following the event, the winning teams gain visibility, networking opportunities, and interest from the market and investors.

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The top three teams will receive one-on-one coaching from experienced managers.