- Background
- What we're looking for
- What we can offer you
- Who we are
- Q&A
Are you ready to amplify your impact and expand into the U.S.? The Boston-Cambridge ecosystem—home to Bayer Co.Lab Cambridge—leads the world in biotech innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities to scale and thrive.
Background
With the support of:
One of the most significant challenges facing the Japanese life sciences ecosystem is the overseas expansion of startups. To address this, Bayer is launching the “Bayer Co.Lab Connect” program, bringing its pharmaceutical expertise to one of the world's most attractive markets. Through its Collaborate to Cure Hub Japan initiative, a dedicated team focuses on driving business development to energize the Japanese life sciences ecosystem. This team fosters scientific and commercial collaborations by leveraging Bayer's unique assets, including its global startup incubation brand "Bayer Co.Lab" and its mentoring and acceleration programs.
Through this program, the selected Japanese startup will receive early endorsement of their scientific projects, connections to vetted venture capital networks, insights into the legal requirements for establishing a U.S. presence, and scientific guidance throughout the year-long program. While establishing a U.S. presence is an option, participation in the program does not require relocation. Startups will receive resources and connections even if they choose to remain in their home country. This program is designed to facilitate the expansion into overseas markets. Additionally, the program includes an invitation for in-person networking and pitching opportunities in Boston during BIO International 2025, from June 16th to 19th.
To be eligible, startups must possess proprietary assets that can be evaluated, a strong desire for global expansion, and both Japanese and English fluency for business and technical discussions.
Bayer Co.Lab Connect is your gateway to the Boston-Cambridge ecosystem. We provide non-U.S. startups with the tools, networks, and resources needed to establish a presence in the U.S. from Bayer Co.Lab Cambridge, situated in the most innovative square mile on the planet, and achieve sustainable growth with Bayer’s expertise and support.
What we're looking for
- Precision oncology: small molecules, biologics, RNA targeting therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals, preferably targeting solid tumors or linked to biomarkers or genetical alterations leading to better efficacy or safety
- Immunology: small molecules and biologics, preferably with strong evidence linking them to a specific medical condition or disease
- Cardiology or nephrology: any modalities
- Accepting applications from startups based in Japan
- Pre-seed
- Seed
- Series A
- Series B
- Other
Bayer Co.Lab is Bayer’s global network of life science incubators designed to foster early engagement with innovative technologies. Our mission is to provide entrepreneurs and early-stage companies with unparalleled access to expertise, resources, and cutting-edge facilities, all without any obligations. At Co.Lab, we pride ourselves on a personalized, high-touch approach to supporting our resident companies.
Our flagship U.S. location, Co.Lab Cambridge, is strategically situated alongside Bayer’s Oncology, Cardiovascular, and Nephrology R&D teams, as well as Bayer’s affiliate iPSCs company, BlueRock Therapeutics. Our incubator place resides within the newly established Bayer Research & Innovation Center, located in the heart of Kendall Square, Cambridge, USA—the global epicenter for biotechnology.
In addition to our U.S. presence, Co.Lab has expanded its global reach to include three additional locations in Berlin, Shanghai, and Kobe, further enhancing our commitment to supporting life science innovation worldwide.
The Q&A is now closed.
In-Person Locations
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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