xbio Biotech Enterprise Masterclass concludes fourth edition
The fourth edition of the xbio Biotech Enterprise Masterclass has concluded, preparing 21 aspiring biomedical entrepreneurs from across Austria to transform scientific discoveries into future biotech companies.
With the successful completion of the 2026 xbio Biotech Enterprise Masterclass, XISTA and the University of Vienna highlighted the growing importance of entrepreneurship within Austria’s life science ecosystem. The programme concluded with a Demo Day on 22 June, where participants presented their biomedical business concepts to a panel of industry experts and investors.
The 2026 programme attracted around 40 applications from researchers across Austria, with 21 participants selected to join the masterclass. Representing nine partner institutions, the cohort completed an intensive semester that included a kickoff weekend and 16 theory sessions covering intellectual property, leadership, business development and life science entrepreneurship.
The xbio ecosystem also expanded during this year's programme. AITHYRA joined as a strategic partner, while the University of Innsbruck and the University for Continuing Education Krems participated for the first time in a trial capacity. Boehringer Ingelheim also became a key sponsor, strengthening industry support for translating academic research into commercial ventures.
The programme concluded with eight selected teams pitching their projects during Demo Day before a jury consisting of Peter Nussbaumer (LDC, KHAN II VC), Guido Gualdoni (Epitome Therapeutics) and Mark Pearson (Boehringer Ingelheim). Lavinia Ceci Ginistrelli received first prize and a Young Innovator Ticket to BIO-Europe in Cologne, sponsored by LISAvienna. Tayebeh Saghaei was awarded an executive business coaching session provided by AOP Health, while Krishnaraj Narayanaswamy received special recognition for outstanding presentation and storytelling.
The organisers stated that preparations for the 2027 edition are already underway as the programme continues to strengthen Europe's next generation of biotech founders.
Kontakt
XISTA
Sophia Hannes
Telefon: +43 664 1508447
E-Mail: sh@xista.vc