1. How can LevelUP Accelerator help me?

In addition to specialized training sessions, 1:1 mentoring, and business consultancy, LevelUP Accelerator offers you the opportunity to meet and work alongside the most important stakeholders in the regional entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Health and Life Sciences. Additionally, at the end of the Accelerator, the startups will pitch their solution in front of a group of investors and potential clients.

2. Which startups are eligible?

All startups that offer a solution in the fields of health and life sciences and have already established a company or commit to establishing one by the end of the program are eligible.

3. What are life sciences?

Life sciences are a set of scientific domains that focus on the study of living organisms and the biological processes that govern them. Some of the fields that are part of life sciences, without being limited to these, are agronomy, nutrition, anatomy, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, biological engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, neuroscience, nutrition, wellness, toxicology, ecology, microbiology, botany, pharmacy, virology, zoology, etc.

4. How many members of my team can participate in the accelerator?

Each team can send two participants, either founders or core members. To ensure a comprehensive experience and effective progress, we suggest that the same individuals participate throughout the entire program.

5. How much time do I need to invest in the program?

The LevelUP accelerator is customized for the needs and objectives of each startup, so the amount of time invested will vary from team to team, but we anticipate a required commitment of 10 to 20 hours per week. In-person meetings will take place once every two weeks (4-5 hours/meeting), and between meetings, each team will need to make progress or complete a series of tasks based on their own roadmap (10-20 hours/week) and have one-on-one sessions with mentors (1-2 hours/week).

6. What happens during the bimonthly meetings?

Each bi-weekly meeting will follow a three-part structure: (1) teams will provide updates on their progress based on their individual roadmaps, (2) they will participate in an advanced theoretical workshop, and (3) they will work on a practical exercise under the guidance of experts to solidify their understanding of the concepts presented.

7. Where will the in-person meetings take place?

The meetings will take place in Cluj-Napoca, once every two weeks, on a Thursday. The location of the meetings will be communicated to all participants in advance.

8. What prizes will be awarded at the end of the program?

The LevelUP accelerator offers a range of support services but does not provide any cash prizes.

9. Do I need to give up equity?

No, founders do not need to give up equity or shares to participate in the program.

10. Can I sign up if I only have an idea?

Yes, if either (1) it is an idea developed within an existing company targeting one or more fields of life sciences or (2) it is an idea targeting one or more fields of life sciences and you commit to founding a company to develop the idea at least 3 months before completing the program.

11. What expenses are not covered?

The North-West Regional Development Agency's INNO department will fully fund the accelerator program. Participants will only be responsible for covering their own transportation and accommodation costs in Cluj-Napoca, if necessary.

12. Can I get in touch with the organizing team if I have more questions?

Of course! If you have further questions, you can email us at inno@nord-vest.ro