INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR START-UP APPLICATIONS: Awards to develop scientific-technological start-ups in life sciences

LAB+, the company builder of the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, is pleased to announce a new international call for 2024. This initiative seeks to unite research and innovation leaders dedicated to creating and developing science and technology-based start-ups in the life sciences sector.


Funding Scope: The funding aims to support disruptive innovations that lead to the development of products and/or services derived from high-quality life science-based research or technology with potential for intellectual property protection. Our focus is on revolutionary projects at the intersection of medicine, biology, and technology to enhance the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment. Proposal areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Healthcare
  • Medical Technology
  • Drug Discovery and Pharmaceuticals
  • Biotech Diagnostics and Therapeutics
  • Agricultural and Food Technology


Eligibility Criteria: We invite applications from scientists and entrepreneurs with recognized research training (PhDs, MDs, Chemists, Engineers) who have exciting, original, and disruptive research, development, and innovation projects with significant commercial or socio-economic potential. Projects must have a scientific basis with current or future intellectual property.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Highly innovative technology with solid scientific foundations.
  • Well-defined, feasible, and achievable objectives for the project period.
  • Clear definition of the market problem addressed and analysis of market potential.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the current state of the art in intellectual property.
  • Motivated teams with outstanding scientific careers and a strong commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration to create and develop a science-based start-up.

Support and Benefits: Selected start-ups will receive:

  • Seed stage funding (up to US$ 750,000).
  • Inclusion in a top-tier scientific ecosystem.
  • Access to international business, strategy, innovation, business development, administrative-accounting operations, and intellectual property management expertise.
  • Laboratory facilities (30 m²) and open access to IP Montevideo’s central facilities for a limited number of projects where infrastructure is crucial for development.

Application and Selection Process: The selection process consists of four steps:
1. Screening and pre-selection.
2. LAB+ Staff revision and co-working.
3. Due Diligence.
4. Investment Committee.

To apply, candidates must complete the online form with non-confidential information: bit.ly/LABplusCall2024

Deadline of applications: September 15, 2024

Commitment to Equality: The Institut Pasteur de Montevideo and LAB+ are committed to promoting an organizational culture of gender equity. We adhere to Uruguayan Law 17.817 on combating racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination, and Uruguayan Law 19.846 on the obligations emerging from international human rights law regarding equality and no discrimination between women and men, covering formal, substantive and recognition equality.

For further details and application, visit our website: LAB+ About Us.