The Advance Biotech Grant Program is designed to identify and support promising domestic biotech and synthetic drug startups by helping them better understand the challenges they face.

In collaboration with Merck, a leading science and technology company, and the Incheon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (K-Bio Lab Hub), a startup discovery and support organization, begin your journey toward next-generation drug development and commercialization.

Selected domestic startups will receive up to a total of KRW 370 million worth of Merck Process Solutions products¹ and services², along with membership in the Incheon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (K-Bio Lab Hub) program³.

Award winners will also be given the opportunity to present their company and be recognized on a special stage at the 2026 BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX Korea event.

All participants will receive a small gift. (Duplicate applications, non-bio industry participants, and those who do not meet eligibility requirements are excluded.)

Award Details

• Merck Grand Award (1 winner | ~KRW 180 million value)
  • Awarded to a leading biotech or synthetic drug company demonstrating outstanding innovation, advanced R&D capabilities, and manufacturing excellence.
     
• Merck First-in-Class Award (1 winner | ~KRW 100 million value)
  • Awarded to a company developing novel modalities, including ADC, viral gene therapy, pDNA, mRNA, and new drug delivery systems (DDS), with strong molecule pipelines and R&D capabilities.
     
• Merck Best-in-Class Award (1 winner | ~KRW 42 million value)
  • Awarded to a company working on established modalities such as synthetic APIs, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant proteins, and vaccines, with proven development capabilities.
     
• Merck Innovation Award (1 winner | ~KRW 21 million value)
  • Awarded to an early-stage biotech or synthetic drug company with promising molecule pipelines and strong R&D potential.

* Merck Process Solutions Products¹: Chemicals, cell culture media, research-use licenses, bags, filters, chromatography resins, filter holders, 2D bags, etc.
* Merck Process Solutions Services²: Customized process development training
* Incheon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (K-Bio Lab Hub) Program³: Membership, acceleration programs, investment connections (IR), and collaboration networking opportunities

Judging Panel

• Bioprocessing experts from Merck Process Solutions

Eligibility

• Companies developing pharmaceutical products in Korea

Timeline

• Application Period: May 26 – July 31, 2026
• Finalist Selection: Mid-August 2026
• Finalist Presentations: Early September 2026
• Winner Selection: Early October 2026
• Award Ceremony: October 30, 2026

* The schedule is subject to change.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Scientific, social, and economic value, as well as the potential impact of the platform technology and molecule under development
2. Level of development and clinical stage of the platform and molecule
3. Potential to address key challenges in R&D and bioprocessing

How to Apply

Download and complete the application form, then submit it via email to AdvanceBio_Grant_KR@merckgroup.com by July 31, 2026.
Applicants are also required to click the “Apply Now” button to complete submission and review additional details, including personal data policies and the official rules.

Advance Biotech Grant Program – Apply 2026