From research to startup – take the first step with LifeTechLab

New discoveries are made in the lab every day. Turning a research idea into a real-world application presents entirely new challenges: Who needs this solution? How can its market potential be validated? And what does it take to build a successful startup? This is where LifeTechLab comes in. Over the course of two months, students and researchers in the life sciences and medicine work with experienced coaches to transform their ideas into viable business models.

The TUD|excite startup incubation program, part of the dresden|exists network, is designed for teams ready to take the next step from research toward entrepreneurship. Whether your idea focuses on new therapeutics, diagnostic methods, medical devices, or digital health and AI applications, LifeTechLab provides the support needed to move it forward. The entire program is conducted in English, making it accessible to international teams.

Throughout the program, Participants work on key topics related to starting a business – from market validation and intellectual property protection to financing and regulatory requirements, all the way to delivering a compelling presentation of their own idea. At the same time, the LifeTechLab offers the opportunity to network with founders, investors, and industry experts.

Participants benefit from:

• Workshops and one-on-one coaching on business model development, financing, intellectual property, regulatory requirements for a medical device, and pitching
• Support in validating and further developing their business idea
• A roadmap for turning research into market-ready innovation
• A deeper understanding of target users, use cases, and market needs
• A strong network of founders, investors, and industry experts
• Professional pitch training and individual feedback

Curious about what LifeTechLab is like? Get an inside look at the previous cohort and Pitch Day in our recap.

© Friederike Gawlik

As Natasha Hrycran, participant of class 1-2026, sums it up:

„One of the most valuable parts of the incubator was the feedback between teams. Seeing how other teams approached their ideas, challenged ours, and gave honest criticism helped all of us improve. It pushed us to rethink assumptions, communicate more clearly, and develop our projects in a more realistic direction."

Application deadline: August 31, 2026 | Program start date: September 10, 2026
More info & registration: dresden-exists.de/lifetechlab

Apply now and take the next step from research to real-world impact.

Further questions?
Dr. Iris Steinebrunner
TUD|excite, Startup Manager Life Sciences