In October 2024, the Innovation Office of the University of Basel hosted the first-ever Euraxess Startup Hub Basel Program, a two-day program designed to support science-entrepreneurs active in all the fields related to Health and Life Sciences (including Biotechnology, Digital Health, Medical Devices, and Health Technology). This initiative, made possible through the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the ERA TALENT grant, is a unique opportunity for innovators to gain insights, build connections, and sharpen their entrepreneurial acumen.
The Journey: From Vision to Reality
The Euraxess Startup Hub Basel Program was a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and growth among science-entrepreneurs. Participants from Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Switzerland came together to engage in hands-on workshops, networking events, and matchmaking sessions, all within the vibrant Basel innovation ecosystem.
Here's a glimpse into what made this program truly transformative:
Business Development & Licensing Workshop: deep-dive on actionable strategies for growth and navigating licensing opportunities.
Financing Workshop: assessment of the complexities of European regulatory standards and funding landscapes.
Matchmaking with Key Opinion Leaders: all participants had the chance to validate their ideas and refine their technologies with guidance from research and clinical experts.
Investor Roadshow: Science-entrepreneurs honed their pitches, connected with venture capitalists, and deepened their understanding of fundraising best practices.
Entrepreneurs Club Networking Event: This signature event provided a platform for meaningful connections within Basel’s dynamic startup and innovation community.
The Impact: Stories of Growth and Connection
The program left a lasting impression on its participants. One attendee, Anastasiou Aikaterini, reflected on her experience:
“Participating in this entrepreneurship program was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to meet many inspiring people and make valuable connections. The feedback I received for my project was insightful and helped me refine my approach. This was my first venture into the business field, and I feel it was a crucial step forward. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to grow and develop their entrepreneurial skills!”
The diversity and expertise of the participants underscored the program’s ethos: fostering international collaboration and supporting startups to thrive in a global context.
Looking Ahead: Round Two in Spring 2025
Building on the success of the first edition, we are thrilled to announce the second round of the Euraxess Startup Hub Program, scheduled for May 2025. With even more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth, this next chapter promises to be a game-changer for budding science-entrepreneurs.
Join Us!
If you are a science-entrepreneur with an academic affiliation in one of the EURAXESS network Countries and active in any field related to Health and Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Digital Health, Medical Devices, and Health Technology), this is your chance to supercharge your project with unique expertise and value from the Basel ecosystem.
What to Expect:
Potential to build international collaborations
Networking opportunities with Key Opinion Leaders from Academia and to expand your business network with Industry Partners, Investors, and other supporters in a world-class Innovation ecosystem
Entrepreneurial skill-building
Thematic workshops
Investors Perspectives
Pitching Training
Save the Date:
Date: 08th - 9th of May 2025
Location: Basel Switzerland
If you're ready to register, you can do so now: Join the Euraxess Startup Hub Program in Basel, Switzerland! - Airtable
A Thank You to Our Community
We are immensely grateful to our startups, mentors, and the vibrant Basel ecosystem for making the pilot program such a success. Together, we’re shaping the future of science-driven entrepreneurship in Europe.
This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No101103476.
Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and insights: Innovation Office Linkedin Page
If you have any questions feel free to contact Clémence Le Roux (clemence.leroux@unibas.ch)
Together, let’s innovate, collaborate, and create a brighter future!