Accelerate your idea with us
LevelUP Health & Life Sciences Accelerator is an intensive program specially designed to accelerate early-stage startups (under 5 years old) in the life sciences sector. Throughout the accelerator, teams receive expert support on topics such as solution development and validation, customer discovery and understanding, securing funding, obtaining certifications, and delivering a compelling pitch. The program is completely free, and founders do not have to give up equity or shares to participate. The 3rd edition is here! Apply by March 24!
What you get
Personalized support
The accelerator caters to the individual objectives of each startup.
Created for your field
The first accelerator in Romania designed for businesses in the life sciences fields.
1:1 mentorship
Ongoing access to experienced mentors through 1:1 sessions throughout the entire program.
Wide array of know-how
Business Model, Legislation, Financing, Product Market Fit, Networking, and much more.
Funding opportunities
Fast-track access to evaluation for grant or equity funding provided by the Fortech Ventures fund.
100% free
Each startup will receive free support, without giving up equity or shares.
International network
Access to an extensive network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and potential customers.
Business consultancy
The startups will have free access to business consulting sessions, tailored to their needs.
Venture capital
At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to pitch your idea to groups of investors.
The ideal candidate
- Has an early-stage startup (1-5 years old)
- Develops an innovative solution (MVP) in the health or life sciences field
- Operates in Romania or Central and Eastern Europe
- Has a registered company or will register one by the end of the program
- Has a team of at least one member working part-time on the startup
- Can attend at least three in-person meetings in North-West Romania (Bootcamp, Halfway meet and Demo Day)
- Is comfortable pitching in English
Life Sciences
Are a set of scientific fields that focus on the study of living organisms and the biological processes that govern them. Here are some life sciences branches, but this list is not exhaustive:
- Health
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agri-food
- Senior Care
- Cosmetics
- Medical devices
- Food supplements
- Biofuels
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Applications open
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Application deadline
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Introductory bootcamp
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First meeting
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Halfway meet
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Last meeting
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Demo Day
Why LevelUP Accelerator?
Discover the graduating startups
Partners who supported LevelUP
Experts who supported our start-ups
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Marius Rus
Founder
@StressLess
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Sebastian Armean
Primary psychiatrist and clinical pharmacology specialist @Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital Cluj
Organizers
FAQ
1. How can LevelUP Accelerator help me?
The accelerator offers personalized 1:1 mentorship, access to a relevant network of experts in health and life sciences, and theoretical sessions focused on the real challenges faced by early-stage startups. Participants become part of a niche community of founders and professionals, fostering valuable connections, knowledge exchange, and new growth opportunities.
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, senior care, 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. What is the program format, and do I need to attend in person?
The program includes six weekly sessions delivered in a hybrid format, so you can join online if needed. That said, we strongly encourage in-person participation to make the most of networking opportunities and face-to-face interactions. You’ll also take part in three in-person events — Bootcamp (at the start), Halfway Meet (mid-program), and Demo Day (at the end) — all hosted in Romania’s North-West Region.
6. 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.
7. Do I need to give up equity?
No, founders do not need to give up equity or shares to participate in the program.
8. 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 before completing the program.
9. What does the selection process look like?
After you submit your application, our team will reach out to schedule a short online interview to get to know your team and solution better. Based on this conversation and the answers provided in the application form, we will select the startups that will join the program.
10. 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