Apply by March 4th

Apply by March 4th
xbio

Build your Biotech Business

Explore xbio, an expert led biotech enterprise masterclass, network with ambitious peers, and transform your biotech vision into a successful enterprise.

OVERVIEW

xbio at a Glance

Learn from experts, get support in crafting and revising your business plan, and receive valuable input from mentors.
Expert Guidance

Learn from science-founders and experienced industry professionals.

Hands-On Support

Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced biotech entrepreneurs.

Pitching Skills

Craft a standout pitch and refine it with expert feedback.

Industry connection

Meet representatives from industry, venture funds and pharma.

Peer-Network

Connect with ambitious peers, keep up with our thriving alumni network.

Recognition

Earn ECTS credits and certification to showcase your expertise.

APPLY

How to apply

  • Fill out the xbio application form by March 4th.
  • Be available for an interview in calendar weeks 11 and 12.
  • Get notified by March 21st.
  • Join us at the kick-off of xbio on April 4th 2025!
Apply by March 4th for the 2025 cohort.
APPLICATION

Participant Eligibility

xbio is tailored towards academic researchers of all levels and early-career professionals ready to take the next step in biotech entrepreneurship. Apply if you are developing a new technology, or have an exciting product-, or business idea you want to explore.

PROJECT DIVERSITY

Entrepreneurship Across Fields

The xbio course empowers scientists to innovate across diverse areas of life sciences, showcasing the full spectrum of entrepreneurial possibilities.
Therapeutics
Developing next-gen medicines.
Therapeutics
Developing next-gen medicines.
Exploring cutting-edge treatments, from novel drug formulations to personalized medicine approaches.
MedTech
Creating smarter devices.
MedTech
Creating smarter devices.
Developing devices that redefine patient care and integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows.
Techbio
The tech-biology interface.
Techbio
The tech-biology interface.
Transforming the way biology can be harnessed to underpin the healthcare innovations of the future
Tools
Enhancing research capabilities.
Tools
Enhancing research capabilities.
Building technologies that empower scientists, from lab automation to data analysis platforms.
Diagnostics
Improving healthcare solutions.
Diagnostics
Improving healthcare solutions.
Innovating in early disease detection and precision diagnostics, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
SCHEDULE

Begin your Startup Journey

Build the foundation of your biotech business. Explore team dynamics, IP essentials, and life science business models. Pitch your idea on Demo Day.
Phase 1
Building the Basics

Kick off  with a 2-day retreat and lay the foundation for your life science startup.

Phase 2
Product to Market Fit

Learn to navigate drug development, map your market, and secure funding.

Phase 3
Solution Fit

Test your idea, refine your pitching skills and present to a jury of industry experts.

SPEAKERS

Learn from the Best

Our carefully selected experts will guide you through topics encompassing subjects such as the business case, market assessment, and team building.
HARD FACTS

Course Details

Navigate the journey from lab to market: Gain entrepreneurial skills, get matched with industry professionals and connect with a supportive network.
xbio PARTNER INSTITUTIONS

Backed by Major Life Science Institutions

* All members of partner institutions are exempt from tuition payment. Non-members pay EUR 1,500. Stipends available.
HIGHLIGHT REEL

xbio in 120 Seconds

xbio supports entrepreneurial scientists on their journey to transform scientific discoveries into innovative medicines and products.
HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI
"I would recommend the course not only if you are in the process of creating a company, but even if you are thinking of doing so."
Dr. Alessandro Venturino
Co-Founder & Head of Research of Syntropic Medical
“Through xbio, I've gained the skills and insights necessary to move beyond my scientific bubble and embark on the journey of entrepreneurship.”
Nadiia Gumerova, PhD
Postdoc at the University of Vienna
“Learning directly from other entrepreneurs is invaluable in preparing you for obstacles you might encounter on your own entrepreneurial journey.”
Sebastiano Cultrera di Montesano
PhD in Mathematics at ISTA
"A truly inspiring and insightful workshop series, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship for budding biotech entrepreneurs. Grateful for the wealth of knowledge shared!"
Dr. Kirtikumar B. Jadhav
Principal Investigator, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna
“Through the xbio course, I not only learned the vital steps in launching a biotech startup but also expanded my network significantly, fostering invaluable exchanges of ideas with fellow entrepreneurs in the field.”
Denise Haslwanter, PhD
Consultant for Global Medical Affairs in Infectious Diseases at BioNTech SE
"The experience in xbio was fundamental to familiarizing me with the Biotech Startup and making the transition from an academic role towards a more entrepreneurship adventure."
Jose Guzman
Senior Neuroscientist & Data Scientist at Brainhero GmbH
“Most in-depth material and best selection of experts I have had among several similar courses I had in the past.”
Saren Tasciyan
Consultant
"The xbio course allowed me to take the initial step beyond the confines of my scientific sphere, significantly expanding my network and nurturing new ideas."
Nhung Nguyen
PhD in Chemical Biology at University of Vienna
xbio AMBASSADORS

Achievements that Inspire

xbio alumni are advancing science and business, from launching startups to leading innovation projects. Explore their stories in our alumni highlights.
Luis Garcia Rabeneda earns xista Fellowship for Phosphatase Platform
Read More
Luis, an xbio alumnus and ISTA neuroscientist, was accepted into the xista fellowship program dedicated to kick-starting spin off projects. During his fellowship, Luis is developing a phosphatase drug discovery platform, paving the way for future spin-off KapPhos Therapeutics.
Go Back
Gunpreet Oberoi redefines Emergency Care with Medtech SVAN
Read More
xbio alumna and Medical University student Gunpreet is developing SVAN (Safe Vascular Access Needle), an intraosseous device for infants in emergencies. The Falling Walls Lab Winner and FFG spin-off founder, will present her medical device at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
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Nhung Nguyen tackles Antibiotic Resistance during FFG spin-off fellowship
Read More
Nhung, University of Vienna and xbio alumna research focuses on targeting drug-resistant bacteria while sparing beneficial ones. As FFG spin-off fellow, she’s advancing preclinical candidates to combat multi-drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Go Back
Alessandro Venturino founds Medtech company Syntropic
Read More
Alessandro, ISTA researcher and xbio alumnus founded clinical Medtech company Syntropic Medical. Backed by FFG funding, he and his team work on transforming the mental health sector by pioneering non-invasive light stimulation technology to treat psychiatric disorders.
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FAQS
Who can apply to xbio?

Individuals with life-science backgrounds,  interested in founding a biomedical enterprise ideally have at least a rough idea about a technology and an unmet medical need they want to address. We also encourage potential co-founders with a business background to participate and use the program to find a venture to join or to deepen their understanding of the specifics of biomedical startups.

What are the selection criteria for xbio?

Our selection criteria take into account various factors, including:

  1. your career stage,
  2. the fit and level of development of your startup idea,
  3. the uniqueness of your technology,
  4. The significance of the addressed issue.
Is there a cost to participate?

The course is free of charge for members of supporting institutions:
ISTA, xista innovation, xista science ventures, ÖAW, TU Wien, Medical University Vienna, University of Vienna, VetMed, Wings4Innovation, KHAN, aws, INiTS, WU

For candidates beyond these institutions, there is a participation fee of EUR 1,500.-. Stipends for exceptional participants are available. Please apply to discuss details on your stipend eligibility.

Are undergraduate researchers eligible?

Academic researchers of all levels, as well as early career professionals who are toying with the idea of founding or joining a biomedical company, are eligible.

What is the time commitment for the course?

The program demands a considerable commitment. Beyond attending sessions (13 sessions, average 4h, most in person) you will invest time in pre-reading, refining your idea, crafting a business plan outline, and preparing for the demo day presentation. In essence: Maintaining a certain level of enthusiasm and dedicating a few hours per week will be immensely beneficial.

What if I cannot attend a session?

While we strongly encourage attendance at all sessions, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. You will be able to miss out on a maximum of 2 sessions – don’t worry, we will find a way to bring you up to speed on the missed content.