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pre-seed program

Founding
is the best
medicine.

The Life-Science Pre-Seed Program

The Life Science Pre-Seed Program is Styria’s first specialized early-stage funding initiative for science-based startup ventures in human technology. We close the critical gap between research idea and company founding – where other programs only begin, we support potential founders with tailored offerings. Our Life Science Spin-off Coaches accompany researchers, medical professionals, and teams personally – industry-specific, continuously, and as equal partners.
The ZWT Accelerator is the early-stage center for life science startups at Med Campus Graz and provides high-quality office and lab space, specialized infrastructure, and a direct connection to Med Uni Graz and LKH-Klinikum Graz. With the Pre-Seed Program, the ZWT Accelerator is developing into a one-stop shop for research-based life science startups – from idea through founding and initial commercial implementation.
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for support for your spin-off / start-up in the life science sector!
Interested? Want to participate? Want to collaborate?

Mag. Johannes Frühmann |  +43 669 11227400 | johannes.fruehmann@zwt- graz.at
Projectlead pre-Seed programm, 15 years of experience as a business consultant, founder and managing director

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For Spin-offs & Start-ups

Who do we support?

  • Researchers & students from all Styrian universities, universities of applied sciences, and research centers (COMET, Joanneum Research)
  • Medical professionals and clinical staff from KAGes and other hospitals
  • National & international spin-in projects
  • Established companies with independent life science innovation projects (selected offerings)

What does our offering provide you?

Active scouting of startup potential

We actively reach out to universities and research institutions to find ideas with startup potential. Initial consultation and evaluation included.

Strategic coaching

We evaluate your ideas and actively support you in finding a strategy and focusing on the right goals.

Individual consulting

Together, we assess the support needed to bring your idea to founding stage. If necessary, we organize the best experts to help you move forward individually.

Tailored workshops

Our workshops convey start-up know-how specifically tailored for ideas in the life sciences sector. Legal, IP, regulatory, business modeling, investor readiness, financing.

Support with financing

We actively support you in getting your ideas financed. Whether through grants or business angels, we’ll find the right contact person using our network of experts and investors.

Network and mentors

Our growing network of mentors can provide you with valuable input through experience and important contacts in your future industry.

Start-up ecosystem

We are well embedded in the regional ecosystem at the interface between research, incubators, and industry. When our support ends, we connect you with the right partners for your continued journey.

For aspiring founders

All offerings free of charge!

Coaching light
Start here!
  • Ongoing strategic coaching by an experienced spin-off coach
  • Workshops & group coachings with external experts
  • Individual sessions on a smaller scale for confidential topics
  • Access to the mentor and investor network
  • Organizational support from the project management

REQUIREMENT: Successful evaluation by the spin-off coach and offer from project management & ZWT management.

In-depth support

All offerings free of charge!

Coaching intensive
Register your interest.
  • Individually compiled 1:1 consulting packages
  • Professionally tailored to the respective project — defined in the strategic consultation
  • Intensive support from mentors as door-openers in relevant industries
  • Privileged access to the international investor network
  • Detailed coordination on content, scope, and timeline

REQUIREMENT: Completion of Coaching Light and particularly high startup potential in the strategic assessment by the program management.

Individual Support

The most important lever in both coaching packages: we build the right expert setup for your venture. Our pool includes experienced consultants, industry experts, and internationally networked mentors with a life science track record — organized and funded by the program.

Industry Experts

Regulatory affairs, IP management, clinical trials, approval, reimbursement models, reimbursement.

Business & financing

Business model, business planning, pitch deck, fundraising, term sheets, due diligence.

Mentors & Door-Openers

Internationally networked life science entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors

Events & Workshops

The spacious premises on the ground floor of the ZWT ACCELERATOR offer us the ideal location for networking activities – for meetings, workshops, and events.

  • Coaching and consulting sessions, individually and in small groups
  • Workshops in the Coaching Light program for founders
  • Peer formats and good-practice exchange with start-ups
  • Connect events for networking between science and business
  • Life Science Hackathon
  • Final presentation in early summer 2027

We will announce dates here in the future!

An offering by the ZWT Accelerator – here’s where you can find us:
  • Prominent location at the head of MED CAMPUS GRAZ: both buildings, the ZWT as well as the ZWT ACCELERATOR, form the “gateway to MED CAMPUS Graz”
  • Optimal walking access to MED CAMPUS Graz and to LKH-Univ.-Klinikum Graz
  • Very good accessibility and excellent connection to public transportation
  • Pedestrian and bicycle path directly in front of the building

All workshops take place at the ZWT Accelerator!