Microbiome Explorer Challenge
First EU competition for early stage startups in microbiome space
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CEE
Startup Voucher
Microbiome Explorer Challenge is part of CEE Startup Voucher
Do you want to know more?
STARTUP
- Win prizes and strategic opportunities
- Get industry-expert feedback that matters
- Validate your strategy with real-world insight
- Get visibility in the European microbiome ecosystem
- Sharpen your pitch, story and strategy
- Build your network with key decision makers
- Accelerate your go-to-market readiness and drive faster, more effective product launches.
SPONSOR
- Influence and shape startup directions
- Strategic investment opportunity
- Access to Europe’s next microbiome innovators
- Engage with scientific and business talent
- Position your brand at the heart of the microbiome ecosystem
- Visibility in a niche, high-impact field
- The microbiome market is gaining strong momentum with accelerating global interest
JUDGES
MSc. Martin Haranta
“To know something doesn’t mean to truly understand it.”
- An innovation and biotech entrepreneur with a deep passion for transforming cutting-edge microbiome science into real-world solutions
- Founder of iProbio, a company focused on high-quality microbiome-targeted supplements and co-organisator of the largest microbiome conference in Slovakia
- With hands-on experience in eight international innovation projects
- Actively lectures at universities, appears in mainstream media, and consistently advocates for the translation of science into impact—connecting researchers, innovators, and the public
Dr. Peter Kürti
“There is no shortage of novel ideas. There is a shortage of people who can recognize investible novel ideas.”
- A business strategist with hands-on experience in probiotic market and product development, strategy and acquisitions
- In depth knowledge of the regulatory challenges of novel biotics
- MBA and worked as sales and marketing director at the probiotic market leader (manufacturer) Christian Hansen (Co)
- Start-up mentor, C-level strategy advisor in the biotic space
Dr. Benjamin Jensen
“Curiosity sparks discovery, but only reproducibility makes it real. For the microbes, it’s not just who’s there—it’s what they do, and where they do it. Again, and again…”
- Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen
- Leads research on the gut microbiome, metabolic health, and nutrition
- Biotech entrepreneur with patents and spinout companies
- Focuses on microbiome-based strategies for preventing metabolic diseases
- Works closely with industry partners and publishes in top journals
FAQ
General Information
Q: What is the Microbiome Explorer Challenge (MEC)?
A: MEC is a startup competition focused on microbiome innovation across health, nutrition, diagnostics, and biotics. It connects early-stage startups with expert mentors, scientists and potential investors.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any early-stage startup or academic team from Europe working on microbiome-related solutions (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, diagnostics, therapeutic platforms, or omics-based tools).
Application & Selection
Q: How do I apply?
A: TBD
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, participation is completely free of charge.
Q: What are the evaluation criteria?
A: Proposals will be judged based on:
- Regulatory and commercialisation path
- Scientific and technological innovation
- Market potential and scalability
- Business model clarity
- Team background
Q: Who are the judges?
A: Our jury consists of renowned scientists and business advisors from the microbiome field—many of whom are also involved in organizing the IPC Conference.
Awards & Benefits
Q: What can I win?
A:
- €20,000 in expert consultations (business + research)
- 1 free ticket to IPC, the world’s leading scientific conference in biotics
- Tailored feedback and validation support
Program & Timeline
Q: What is the timeline of the challenge?
A:
- Applications open: 15 July 2025
- Application deadline 14.9.2025
- Semifinals onloine 15.10.2025
- Final pitch & awards: 11.11.2025 in Žilina, Slovakia
Q: Do I need to pitch live?
A: Yes, shortlisted teams in finals will be invited to present live. Detailed guidelines will be shared in advance.
Other
Q: Do I need a registered company to apply?
A: No, teams without a legal entity (e.g., research spin-outs) can apply, but you should demonstrate clear plans for commercialisation.
Q: Can I apply if I already raised funding?
A: Yes. The challenge is open to both pre-seed and seed-stage startups.
Q: What language should the application be in?
A: All applications and pitches must be in English.
Q: Will you sign NDAs?
A: No, but we respect confidentiality and only share your application with internal jury members. Avoid including unpublished IP-sensitive data.