Accelerating innovation in digital biopharma

Merck Digital Sciences Studio

The Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDSS) empowers early-stage startups specializing in digitally enabled technologies for drug discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical development through funding, mentoring, and access to Merck’s global network.
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Applications are now open for the 2026 North America cohorts (United States & Canada).

Apply Now – Deadline November 28, 2025

About Merck Digital Sciences Studio

The Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDSS) is a nine-month accelerator that invests in and supports early-stage startups developing digitally enabled technologies for drug discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical development.

Selected startups gain direct access to Merck experts, personalized mentoring from Centech advisors, and a SAFE investment from the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (GHI), in collaboration with regional partners The Venture Collective (United States) and CQDM (Canada). Through this collaborative approach, MDSS connects innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to accelerate breakthroughs in health technology.

Program Experience

Mentoring

Gain tailored guidance from experienced mentors — including health-sector experts, Merck professionals, and Centech advisors — to refine your business and technology strategy.

Workshops

Participate in structured sessions with industry leaders and investors to strengthen your value proposition, business model, and go-to-market readiness.

Community

Join a supportive cohort of founders, alumni, and corporate innovators. MDSS emphasizes peer learning, shared resources, and long-term collaboration beyond the program.

Investment

Benefit from a $100 000 USD SAFE investment from the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and regional partners (The Venture Collective in the US, CQDM in Canada).

Commitment to Diversity

MDSS values diversity across all its programs and investments. We believe founder diversity is more than just an asset, but an investor advantage for building outperforming startups. MDSS is committed to cultivating diversity in our portfolio and the broader ecosystem. We encourage founders from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences to apply to our studio programs.

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