German science and technology giant Merck KGaA has established a strategic partnership with Israel-based Peregrine Ventures' Incentive Incubator, aiming to foster innovation and early-stage collaborations in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors. The collaboration, announced this week, will provide Merck with privileged access to promising startups in bioconvergence, pharma, and biotechnology fields.
The partnership represents a significant opportunity for early-stage companies to benefit from Merck's extensive global resources while allowing the German multinational to identify and nurture innovative technologies aligned with its strategic priorities.
Strategic Focus Areas
The collaboration will prioritize ventures with substantial market potential that align with Merck's three global divisions:
- Healthcare Division: Focused on breakthrough drug development in oncology, neurology, and immunology
- Life Science Division: Providing advanced research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing solutions
- Electronics Division: Developing advanced material technologies for semiconductor industries, displays, and related sectors with emphasis on medical environments
Special attention will be given to bioconvergence ventures that combine biology, engineering, and materials science, particularly those capable of integration into one or more of Merck's divisions.
Comprehensive Support for Startups
Startups selected through this partnership will receive multifaceted support tailored to their specific needs and Merck's interests. This may include:
- Capital investments
- Regulatory and business guidance
- Scientific expertise
- Access to professional networks
- Planning of early-phase clinical trials
- Strategic assets and accumulated guidance
"Merck's scientific, technological, and business strength will greatly support the growth of startups in the incubator," said Lior Shahory, CEO of Incentive Incubator and General Partner at Peregrine Ventures. "Early-stage Israeli startups that catch Merck's eye and align with its roadmap will receive a major boost in the global market, including access to investments, scientific expertise, clinical trial resources, and strategic assets."
Expanding Merck's Innovation Ecosystem
For Merck, the partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen its presence in Israel's thriving innovation ecosystem while accessing cutting-edge technologies at an early stage.
"This partnership reflects our strategic commitment to fostering early-stage innovation and deepening our footprint in Israel's vibrant pharma and life science ecosystem," explained Ezequiel Garfinkel, head of Merck's Science & Technology office in Israel. "By working closely with the startups in the Incentive Incubator, we aim to identify transformative technologies that align with our global R&D and business priorities."
Diverse Partner Network
Merck joins an impressive roster of partners already involved with the Incentive Incubator, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Becton Dickinson, Elbit Systems, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University, and Shaare Zedek Medical Center. This diverse network creates a rich environment for collaboration and innovation.
Founded in 1668, Merck employs approximately 63,000 people across 65 countries. The company brings considerable resources and expertise to the partnership, potentially accelerating the development and commercialization of promising technologies emerging from the incubator.
Peregrine Ventures, headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel, specializes in investments in medical technologies both locally and globally. Through the Incentive Incubator, Peregrine provides pre-seed companies with technological infrastructure, financial management, business development support, strategic planning, and assistance in team recruitment—turning creative ideas into innovative companies.
The collaboration highlights the growing importance of strategic partnerships between established global corporations and specialized investment vehicles in driving innovation in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors.
