Science Inc. | Life Sciences - Fall 2026

The Home for Science Startups

Deadline: Apply by July 8th at 11:59 PM

The Innovation Space's Science Inc.™ | Life Sciences accelerator is a high-touch virtual accelerator for early-stage Life Sciences startups preparing for commercialization and fundraising. This four-month program helps founders de-risk their ventures, refine their business strategy, and build investor readiness.

Each cohort is intentionally limited to approximately 10 companies to ensure meaningful engagement, individualized support, and direct access to experienced operators, investors, and commercialization experts.

Unlike broad, generalist startup accelerators, Science Inc. is designed specifically for science-driven founders navigating complex commercialization pathways in Life Sciences.

This accelerator is best suited for companies working on:

• Therapeutics and advanced medicines, including biologics, cell and gene therapies, RNA therapeutics, and precision medicine platforms
• Biotechnology platforms and research tools, including synthetic biology, AI-enabled drug discovery, organoids, lab automation, and screening technologies
• Diagnostics and translational life sciences technologies, including molecular diagnostics, liquid biopsy, biomarker discovery, and clinical assay development
• Medical devices with an advanced materials component, including resorbable stents, implants, surgical mesh, and catheters
• Bioengineering and applied life sciences, including engineered microbes, biomaterials, tissue engineering, precision fermentation, and regenerative medicine

What To Expect

Advance Commercialization & Fundraising Readiness

Refine your commercialization strategy, investor narrative, and milestone roadmap to prepare for fundraising and strategic growth.

Build Relationships with Peer Founders

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and explore strategies unique to your space, from regulatory planning to technology development. Learn from successful founders and subject matter experts while building a support network that extends beyond the program.

Gain Investor & Industry Visibility

Companies demonstrating strong progress and investment readiness during the program may be selected to pitch at the IS:LifeSciences Conference to a curated audience of investors, strategic partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Access The Innovation Space Network

As a Science Inc. participant, you join The Innovation Space™ community. Benefits include access to founder resources, networking events, and priority consideration for our residential programs - First Fund and our Early-Stage Growth Grant.

Science Inc. is predominantly conducted virtually, with two required in-person events at The Innovation Space in Wilmington, DE.

Required Program Dates

• August 27th, 2026: Program Kick-off - Virtual
• October 8th, 2026: Live Pitch Workshop at The Innovation Space - Wilmington, DE
• December 9th–10th, 2026: IS:LifeSciences Conference & Science Inc. | Life Sciences Pitch Opportunity at The Innovation Space - Wilmington, DE

Who Should Apply

Science Inc. Fall 2026 is open to early-stage Life Sciences startups, including those working in Therapeutics and Advanced Medicines, Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Translational Life Sciences Technologies, and Bioengineering and Applied Life Sciences.

The program is best suited for venture-scalable Life Sciences startups that have moved beyond the initial concept stage and are actively preparing for commercialization, strategic partnerships, or fundraising.

Participants should meet the following milestones:

• A developed scientific innovation
• Completed foundational market research
• A business model and milestone roadmap
• At least $50,000 raised from dilutive or non-dilutive sources
• Raising capital or planning to raise within the next 6 months

We are particularly interested in platform technologies and applied life sciences innovations with potential applications in healthcare, industrial biotechnology, food systems, materials science, and scientific infrastructure.

Startups based in the Mid-Atlantic region, or those seeking to locate or expand into it, will receive priority consideration.

Program Investment

The accelerator participation fee is $5,000 and includes eligible travel and lodging expenses for required in-person sessions and events, as well as registration for the IS:Life Sciences Conference at the conclusion of the program.

The participation fee covers a small portion of The Innovation Space’s investment in each participating company, including:

• Structured commercialization and capital readiness programming


• Dedicated coaching and mentorship from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and industry experts


• Investor preparation and pitch development


• Curated introductions to investors, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders


• Peer learning and founder community engagement


• Specialized startup resources and tools, including access to PitchBook data


• Visibility opportunities through The Innovation Space network and events

Financial assistance may be available for well-qualified companies, especially those aligned with the interests of our strategic partners.

We do not take equity. Founders retain full ownership of their companies and intellectual property.

What Founders Are Saying

“The Science Inc. program provides a well-organized and comprehensive crash-course on all the critical elements required to build an incredibly compelling pitch deck for investors, and to strength-test your understanding of your business model and target market. We would recommend this program to entrepreneurs at any level with any background, especially those coming from a predominantly technical background”

- Chris DiMarco, Founder & CEO of Sindri Materials

About The Innovation Space

Science Inc.™ is a program of The Innovation Space™, a nonprofit innovation ecosystem supporting science entrepreneurs through targeted resources, lab infrastructure, and business-building programs. Learn more at innovationspace.org.

Companies supported through The Innovation Space ecosystem have collectively raised more than $1.24B in funding. Learn more about The Innovation Space's impact: https://innovationspace.org/impact.