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unlock_ incubation

unlock_ Incubation Program

Launching a startup is challenging. And especially in a specific sector like life sciences & health. The unlock_ Incubation Program is an entrepreneurship program to support life science and biotechnology start-ups in this early phase to become “economically active.” In other words: raise money, spend money strategically and build healthy teams. We do this by having you answer the question, “How can we help you?

During the 12-month incubation program, we support you in identifying the blind spots in your business model and developing a validation strategy. The program is designed specifically for Life Science and Biotech entrepreneurs.

In this program you unlock_:

Program timeline

Want to validate your startup idea? And can you check off all three criteria? Then join one of the three Startup Play cohorts!

Feb. 27, 2026

March 9 & 10, 2026

  • Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 26, 2026
  • Tuesday, June 2, 2026
  • Tuesday, June 9, 2026
  • Tuesday, June 16, 2026
  • Tuesday, June 23, 2026
  • Final Pitch Event Tuesday, June 30, 2026

July 2026 to March 2027

April 2027

This is unlock_ incubation

Each Life Sciences and Biotech company has its own unique challenges. With this in mind, the unlock_ Incubation Program is divided into two parts:

  1. The onboarding in which you attend 13 highly interactive sessions over 4 months to challenge you to answer questions and gain insights around your fundamentals, development plan, fundraising, time management and business relationships.
  2. The tailor-made 8-month program that you can design based on your own specific needs. The insights gathered in the first 4 months during onboarding will help shape your unique deliverables for this period. There are also program sprints during this period.

Furthermore, you will get the support and access to the unlock_ venture capital and Biotech network needed for your startup.

Admission criteria

About the trainer

Christian

Programma Manager

As Senior Program Manager at PLNT Leiden, Christian is responsible for unlock_, the incubation program for life sciences & health startups, and for the Venture Academy, PLNT’s pre-incubation program. He develops and coordinates programs and coaching, working with startups, the university and partners in the broader ecosystem.

 

Do you have a question about unlock_? Then please contact Christian!

Veelgestelde vragen over unlock_ incubation

Don’t see your question listed here? Ask the program trainer!

We are looking for startups that:
1) have an innovative and scalable LSH startup
2) have a clear motivation to become economically active
3) have a proof-of-concept of your technology
4) have a clear idea of your product-market fit.

No, but you must enroll in Leiden within a month of starting the program.

The Onboarding phase of the program consists of 13 full-day sessions during the first 4 months. There are also various events and coaching sessions throughout the year. To get the most out of the program, we also ask you to work on your startup between sessions.

No, we don’t.

No, all sessions are physical. We believe that physical meetings benefit your participation. This way you can grow more and connect better with the other participants.

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