Biotope Ventures Opens Applications for Fall 2026 Basecamp: Up to €350,000 in Early-Stage Funding for Biotech Startups

Innovative biotech startups working to improve planetary health now have an opportunity to secure funding, expert mentorship, and access to one of Europe's leading biotech ecosystems. Biotope Ventures has launched its open call for the Fall 2026 edition of its Basecamp and investment program, with applications closing on 25 September 2026.

Up to €350,000 in Funding and Support

Biotope is seeking early-stage biotech ventures with breakthrough solutions in areas such as agrifood, food technology, agtech, biomaterials, and other biotech innovations that contribute to planetary health. Selected startups can access an early-stage funding package worth €350,000, alongside tailored support designed to accelerate their path toward the next funding round.

The investment is delivered through Biotope's funding model, which includes a €250,000 convertible loan, complemented by bespoke support, mentorship, and access to industry, scientific, and investor networks. 

What Is the Biotope Basecamp?

Biotope Basecamp is a three-week hybrid accelerator program that brings together a select cohort of biotech founders for intensive learning, mentoring, and business development. The program combines in-person and online sessions focused on:

• Commercialization strategy

• Startup fundraising

• Intellectual property development

• Regulatory readiness

• Market validation

• Team development

• Venture scaling

At the end of the program, a selection of participating startups may be invited to pitch to Biotope's Investment Committee for funding consideration. Participation in Basecamp does not automatically guarantee an investment pitch.

Who Should Apply?

Biotope is looking for startups that:

• Have a unique biotech-based solution addressing a clearly articulated and quantified problem.

• Are developing technologies at approximately TRL 3–5.

• Have already validated their innovation at laboratory scale.

• Need specialized support to reach a benchmarked proof-of-concept.

• Are based in Europe, Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

• Have a founding team of at least two people, combining scientific and business expertise.

• Are preparing for their next financing round. 

The program is specifically tailored to science-driven ventures seeking to transform cutting-edge biotechnology into scalable commercial businesses.

Why Join Biotope?

Beyond capital, Biotope provides founders with access to a comprehensive biotech support ecosystem through its connection with VIB, one of the world's leading life sciences research institutes. Participants benefit from:

• Personalized coaching and mentoring

• Access to biotech experts and entrepreneurs

• Investor and industry connections

• Guidance on IP and regulatory strategy

• Peer learning with fellow biotech founders

• Support in building an investment-ready company 

Biotope's mission is to help founders de-risk their innovations, strengthen their business fundamentals, and prepare for long-term growth and future financing rounds.

Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

Startups interested in joining the Fall 2026 cohort should note that applications close on 25 September 2026.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through the official Biotope Ventures application portal: https://biotope-ventures.com/apply-now/

Check out our guides for funding opportunities

Agriventures Connect 3.0 is coming on 20th of April 2027 in Sofia, Bulgaria

The role of Agriventures in supporting agrifood innovation

As the agritech startup ecosystem grows across Europe, initiatives such as Agriventures are helping connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers working in agriculture and food innovation.

Agriventures focuses on supporting agrifood startups, biotechnology innovation, and access to European funding for agriculture, while also helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of startup financing, venture capital, and research commercialization.

By strengthening connections between startups, research institutions, investors, and farmers, Agriventures contributes to building a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem that can accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Through knowledge sharing, events, and ecosystem building, Agriventures helps ensure that promising agritech innovations can scale and reach farmers, food producers, and global markets.