Applications Open for BIOCatalyst

Applications are now open for BIOCatalyst, an acceleration programme jointly implemented by BIOCentar and NetHub for researchers, research teams, startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative technologies, products and solutions in the life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, health and health technologies.

BIOCatalyst is focused on research-based innovations and is designed to support promising projects in moving from research results towards technological validation and potential commercial application.

The programme may include, for example, new or improved medicines and therapeutic approaches, biological products, diagnostic solutions and biomarkers, biotechnology platforms, as well as other research-based technologies and products.

Who is BIOCatalyst for?

BIOCatalyst is intended for:

• researchers and research teams;
• startup and pre-startup teams;
• spin-off and spin-out projects;
• entrepreneurs;
• projects originating from universities, research organisations and other institutions.

The programme is focused on projects in the early stages of development – from the formulation and development of a technological concept, through proof of concept, to experimental validation in laboratory conditions.

The emphasis is on confirming scientific and technological feasibility, reducing key development risks and creating the foundations for further validation, protection and commercialisation of project results.

How does the programme work?

BIOCatalyst is structured around three connected phases.

1. Initial Development Readiness Assessment

At the beginning of the programme, each selected project will undergo a structured assessment of its development readiness and key challenges.

The assessment will cover scientific and technological, IP, regulatory, market and financial aspects and will help identify key risks, priorities and areas where additional support is needed.

The results will serve as the basis for the work carried out during the joint educational sessions and for defining the focus of individual mentoring.

2. Joint Educational Sessions

Selected participants will take part in practical educational sessions covering key aspects of innovation development:

• Innovation cycle management
• Intellectual property protection
• Business model and commercialisation strategy
• Innovation financing and investment readiness
• Innovation communication
• Artificial intelligence in research and innovation development – practical application of AI tools

The sessions will focus on applying the acquired knowledge to participants’ own projects and to the development needs identified through the initial assessment.

3. Individual Mentoring

Based on the initial assessment, work carried out during the educational programme and identified priorities, each participant will receive individual mentoring tailored to the specific needs and development stage of their project.

Mentoring may focus on areas such as technological and experimental validation, regulatory pathways, intellectual property, commercialisation, financing or cooperation with relevant partners.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants are expected to have:

• identified key scientific and technological, IP, regulatory, market and financial risks and priorities;
• more clearly defined needs for further validation, expertise, partnerships and financing;
• defined an appropriate intellectual property management strategy and approach to commercialisation;
• prepared an individual development and commercialisation roadmap with key steps, priorities and activities required to move the project to the next stage of development.

BIOCatalyst provides participants with a structured methodology, expert support and mentoring, while responsibility for defining, implementing and further developing project activities remains with each individual team or participant.

Apply for BIOCatalyst

If you are developing a research-based innovation in the life sciences and your project is at an early stage of development, apply for BIOCatalyst.

📅 Applications are open until October 20, 2026.

👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyU6yKZ8U0k_TQURQ8gib5HvdFkUxpXP225WIKxvfOA0S-GQ/viewform

For additional information, please contact contact@nethub.hr.