Applications open April 30, 2026!
Bayer Co.Lab Connect Seoul
Your Gateway to the Global Biotech Ecosystem
Bayer Co.Lab is a global network of life science incubators connecting early-stage entrepreneurs with world-class expertise, resources, and partners across key innovation hubs— Berlin, Boston, Shanghai/Beijing, and Kobe/Tokyo. Now, we're bringing this global platform to South Korea.
Bayer Co.Lab Seoul is designed to help Korean startups bridge the gap between exceptional local science and global opportunity. Through this program, selected startups will gain direct access to Bayer's global network of R&D experts, investors, and ecosystem partners — accelerating their path to international growth.
Important: Participation does not require relocation. This program is designed to facilitate — not mandate — overseas expansion. Startups will receive resources and connections while remaining based in Korea.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking innovative startups in the following areas;
Therapeutics
- Oncology, Nephrology, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Immunology — across modalities
Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT)
- Cardio, Renal, Ophthalmology, CNS, and Rare Diseases
Platform Technologies
- Tissue-specific delivery, RNA-based therapies, cell-penetrating peptides, new covalent chemistries, AI for de novo design and toxicity prediction, new pocket discovery
Note: Diagnostics, medical devices, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are excluded
Qualifications
Who Can Apply
Location
Startups based in Korea
Stage
Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, or Series B
Requirements
- Proprietary assets and/or technologies in the above areas of interest
- Ability to disclose non-confidential information about assets and/or technologies
- Strong desire for global expansion
- English fluency for business and technical discussions
- Availability to participate in the full selection process
What You'll Receive
Co.Lab Connect Winner
(1 company)
One-Year Mentorship Program (starting September 2026)
- Dedicated mentorship by Bayer's local and global experts
- 4 mentoring sessions per year (2 local + 2 global)
Global Immersive Experience
- In-person networking and pitching opportunity at RESI Boston 2026 (September 22-23, 2026)
- Hot desk access at Bayer Co.Lab sites worldwide, valid for 1 year
Connection to Bayer's Global Network
- Inclusion in Bayer Co.Lab portfolio — no strings attached: no equity, no licensing obligations
- Direct exposure to Bayer's R&D and BD&L teams
- Warm introductions to global investors and key ecosystem players
Long-Term Alumni Network
- After the one-year program, winners continue as Co.Lab portfolio alumni — maintaining long-term access to Co.Lab's global network
Financial Support
- Reimbursement of up to KRW 9.5 million for flights and hotel expenses for the RESI Boston 2026 trip, based on submitted expense reports (subject to change depending on 2026 budget)
Finalists
(up to 3 companies)
Selected after the semi-finalist stage. All semi-finalist benefits also apply.
- Invitation to pitch at Bayer Global Selection Committee (virtual, 30 min)
- Local mentorship support to prepare for the pitch presentation
Semi-Finalists
(up to 7 companies)
Selected by June 30, 2026
- Invitation to a two-day Bayer/Partner Local Workshop in Seoul (Jully 22nd-23rd, 2026)
- Local mentorship support to prepare for the pitch presentation
- Pitch presentation meeting
- Direct mentorship from local and global experts
- Option to attend the RESI Boston 2026 networking session on a self-funded basis
Note: Specific workshop details may be subject to change
Program Timeline
End of May 2026
Application deadline
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end of June 2026
Semi-finalists announced
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July 22-23, 2026
Local Workshop in Seoul
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End of August 2026
Winner announced
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September 22-23. 2026
RESI Boston/Global Immersive Experience
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September 2026 - August 2027
Mentorship program
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Time left to apply
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents by the end of May 2026. Provide non-confidential information only.
Required Documents
Non-confidential slide deck of your assets and/or technologies
Business profile including:
- Name and contact details of applicant (company name and registered address)
- Asset/Platform description
- Target therapeutic area/Indication
Submission:
Please fill out the application form — select "Co.Lab Connect Seoul" from the "Region" tab — and upload your documents via the link below:
The application window opens on April 30, 2026
Apply to Co.Lab Connect SeoulAbout Bayer
Bayer is a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company with more than 150 years of history and core competencies in health care and agriculture. Through Bayer Co.Lab, we connect early-stage innovators with the expertise, networks, and resources they need to bring breakthrough ideas to life — with no strings attached.