Call for Applications
Turn science into innovation
Do you have an idea that could harness microorganisms, enzymes or synthetic biology to create more sustainable products, processes or technologies?
The MicroUP Challenge invites students and early-career researchers from around the world to develop innovative, science-driven concepts in synthetic microbial biotechnology and explore their potential beyond the laboratory.
Bring your idea. Build your team. Develop your concept with expert support. Pitch it at the MicroUP Challenge Final Competition.
Application deadline
27 September 2026, 23:59 EEST
Athens time
About the Challenge
The next step for early-stage scientific ideas
The MicroUP Challenge is an international innovation competition organized in the framework of the TwInn4MicroUp project.
The Challenge aims to support the development of early-stage, science-driven concepts with potential for industrial, commercial, environmental or societal impact.
Selected teams will take part in an 8-week development programme, during which they will have access to expert seminars, mentoring opportunities and guidance on translating their scientific ideas into viable innovation concepts.
The programme will culminate in the MicroUP Challenge Final Competition, where teams will pitch their developed concepts before an expert jury.
What Are We Looking For?
Science with real-world potential
We are looking for creative ideas that use microbial systems, enzymes, synthetic biology or related biotechnology approaches to address real-world challenges and create sustainable solutions.
No preliminary experimental data or proof of concept are required.
Ideas may be entirely conceptual or literature-based, provided that they have a sound
scientific rationale and a clear potential application.
Enzyme Engineering & Biocatalysis
Sustainable Biomanufacturing & Industrial Biotechnology
Waste Stream Valorization & Circular Bioeconomy
Biorefineries & Renewable Feedstocks
Bio-based Materials & Chemicals
Environmental Biotechnology & Bioremediation
Microbial Platforms for High-Value Bioproducts
AI & Digital Tools for Biotechnology
Technology Translation & Bioinnovation
These areas are indicative rather than restrictive. Ideas addressing other applications of synthetic microbial biotechnology are also welcome. Concepts may be at an early stage of development. Applicants are not required to have an established startup, prototype or complete business model.
Who Can Apply?
Open to students and early-career researchers worldwide
The Challenge is open to students and early-career researchers affiliated with academic or research institutions worldwide.
Undergraduate students
Postgraduate / Master's students
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
Applicants must
- Apply as a team of 2–4 members.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Be currently affiliated with an academic or research institution.
- Provide a valid institutional email address as evidence of their affiliation.
- Submit their application and participate in the Challenge in English.
Teams may include members from different institutions, countries, disciplines and academic levels. Interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams are encouraged.
Each participant may be a member of one team only.
How Does the Challenge Work?
Three phases. One idea-development journey.
01
Phase I — Apply
September 2026
Teams submit a short online application describing their idea, its scientific or technological basis, the problem it addresses and its potential impact.
10 teams will be selected to proceed to the next phase.
02
Phase II — Develop
October–November 2026
The selected teams enter an 8-week idea-development programme designed to help them transform their initial concepts into stronger innovation propositions.
- Kick-off and team presentations
- Expert seminars on entrepreneurship, intellectual property, technology transfer and pitching
- Independent team development
- Opportunities for one-to-one mentoring
- Business model development
- Pitch preparation and refinement
Teams will progressively develop both the scientific/technical and innovation/business dimensions of their concepts.
03
Phase III — Compete
1st half of December 2026
The Challenge concludes with a hybrid Final Competition hosted at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
Each finalist team will deliver a 5–7 minute pitch presenting its innovation to an expert jury.
Innovation and originality
Scientific and technical feasibility
Environmental and societal impact
Business and commercialization potential
Quality of the final pitch
The highest-ranked teams will receive MicroUP Challenge awards, with further details to be announced during the programme.
What Will You Gain?
Take your idea beyond the lab
Most importantly, the Challenge provides a structured environment to explore where your science could go next.
Develop an early-stage scientific idea into a more mature innovation concept.
Explore the potential applications and value proposition of your technology.
Gain exposure to entrepreneurship, business modelling, intellectual property and technology transfer.
Receive feedback and guidance from experienced mentors and experts.
Develop your scientific communication and pitching skills.
Connect with researchers, innovators and professionals working across biotechnology and innovation.
Present your idea to an expert jury at the Final Competition.
How to Apply
Ready to bring your idea forward?
Applications must be submitted through the official MicroUP Challenge Application Form. Applications should be submitted by one designated team representative on behalf of the entire team.
Before applying, teams are encouraged to read the Competition Terms & Conditions and the Privacy and Data Protection Notice.
Deadline
27 September 2026, 23:59 EEST
Athens time
Apply now
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Documents
Before you apply
Questions?
Need help with eligibility or the application?
For questions concerning eligibility, the application process or the Challenge programme, please contact:
twinn4microup@gmail.comThe MicroUP Challenge is organized within the framework of the TwInn4MicroUp project – Synthetic Microbial Biotechnology for Plastic Upcycling.