Nest Catalyst Ventures

Nest Catalyst Ventures is an organization that empowers scientist-founders in the life sciences sector to commercialize their research through a structured six-month entrepreneurship training program. The program connects participants with biotech industry leaders and includes a roadshow in Silicon Valley.

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Overview

Nest Catalyst Ventures is an organization founded by Dr. Elena Itskovich, Dr. Natasha Shtraizent, and Dr. Rachel Blau. It aims to empower scientists worldwide in venture creation. The organization is based in the life sciences sector and offers a six-month entrepreneurship training program that connects life science scientists with biotech industry leaders.

Focus

Nest Catalyst Ventures focuses on training life science scientists in entrepreneurship. The program includes weekly online workshops and a week-long roadshow in Silicon Valley, providing participants with hands-on experience in founding science-based ventures. The organization emphasizes mentorship from experienced biotech executives and access to angel and venture capital investors.

Support

The program offers mentorship from biotech leaders, access to investors, and a structured curriculum addressing challenges such as intellectual property, strategy, FDA regulation, business operations, and fundraising.

Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for Nest Catalyst Ventures?

Eligible applicants are scientist-founders who have recently launched or are preparing to launch a company based on scientific technology or innovation that addresses health or wellbeing. Companies that have raised more than $1,000,000 are not eligible.

What is the application process for the program?

Interested candidates can apply through the official website at https://nestcatalyst.com/apply/. The application status is currently closed, and the next application cycle will be announced later.

What does the program format look like?

The program is conducted remotely over 26 weeks, featuring weekly online workshops and a week-long roadshow in Silicon Valley. Participants will engage with mentors and industry leaders throughout the program.

What makes Nest Catalyst Ventures different from other accelerators?

This program specifically targets life science scientists and focuses on the unique challenges they face in venture creation. The mentorship from experienced biotech executives and access to a network of investors set it apart from traditional accelerators.

What is the decision timeline after applying?

The decision timeline for applications is not disclosed. However, selected founders will participate in the program from January to June 2026.

What types of startups benefit most from this program?

Startups that are in the pre-seed stage and focus on biotech or healthcare innovations will benefit the most. The program is tailored to address the specific needs of scientist-founders in these sectors.

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