The first stream of CDL-Berlin supports new businesses that concentrate on improving the quality, speed, cost, or accessibility of healthcare to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease or improve the operational efficiency of the medical community. Areas of focus include diagnostics, new therapies, medical technology, or artificial intelligence for drug discovery. All solutions are science-based and leverage deep tech.  

The first cohort of CDL-Berlin consists of 19 early-stage startups, half of which come from Germany, 40 percent from other EU countries, and ten percent from the U.S. and India. At CDL-Berlin, the founders will meet a carefully curated group of 23 experienced entrepreneurs, investors and scientists who will provide hands-on support to commercialize their deep tech innovations. 

Today’s first session will work out the most critical challenges that the new entrepreneurs encounter in their startup phase in intensive discussion rounds. Participating startups will work closely with the mentors who will help them sharpen their business goals, prioritize time and resources, and create important networks with experts along the startup journey. At the end of the day, mentors will select startups that they will personally support with their expertise, time, and network. Only the founders who can convince the mentors will continue in the objectives-focused mentorship program.   

“There are pressing unmet needs in health, and we are convinced that this first and highly international cohort of 19 startups will address them by pushing the boundaries of what is regarded as technologically feasible. Together with an outstanding group of mentors, we are bringing true innovation into the German and European healthcare system,” says Thorsten Lambertus, CDL-Berlin site lead, and managing director of DEEP – Institute for Deep Tech Innovation at ESMT. 

Today’s event is the first of a total of four sessions in which the startups will be supported by experienced industry leaders and investors on their way to market and in raising relevant investments. The next session will take place on January 24, 2023.   

Further information may be found here.   

About Creative Destruction Lab 

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program allows founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their likelihood of success. Founded in 2012 by Professor Ajay Agrawal at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, the program has expanded to 12 sites across six countries. Participating ventures have created $24 billion (CAD) in equity value. creativedestructionlab.com