Applications open for the third W Accelerate with Merck KGaA and M Ventures
Calling all reproductive and maternal innovators: Applications are open for the third W Accelerate with Merck KGaA and M Ventures
The third edition of W Accelerate, a programme connecting reproductive and maternal health founders directly with Merck KGaA and its strategic venture arm M Ventures, has opened its call for applications. Since its first cohort, the programme has already produced real outcomes, including Calla Lily Clinical Care, which entered a strategic collaboration with Merck KGaA earlier this year after connecting through the programme.
Selected founders will pitch on 5th October, with three pathways depending on what their company needs: a Partnership Lane for commercial collaborations, an Investment Lane for founders raising capital, and a Dual Lane for those pursuing both. Alongside the pitch itself, companies get a 1:1 pitch practice session, small-group sessions with regulatory and investment experts, and direct access to Merck KGaA and M Ventures leadership on the day.
The call is open to founders working in female infertility, fertility preservation, adenomyosis, endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), ovarian insufficiency, preeclampsia and pregnancy comorbidities. W Accelerate exists to close the gap between promising science in women’s health and the corporates and investors positioned to scale it, giving founders a direct route to the people who can actually move their company forward. Applications close 2nd September.