Empowering Biotech Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the xbio 2024 Masterclass

We have created xbio as an entrepreneurship course designed to help researchers transition their high-quality academic research into the pre-spinoff phase. 

  • 13 leading Life Science Institutions
  • 50+ Mentors and Experts 
  • 20 Participants

A Unique Collaboration in Austria

What sets xbio apart is its unique collaborative model. The Masterclass is a joint effort by 13 leading life science institutions in and around Vienna, making it a standout program in Austria. This partnership includes ISTA, xista, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, ÖAW, GMI, IMBA, CeMM, TU Wien, AIT, VetMed, Wings4Innovation, KHAN, aws, INiTS, and WU. Together, these institutions curate a comprehensive Masterclass, culminating in a Demo Day and a network of 50+ industry leaders who serve as mentors and speakers.

The Impact of xbio

The xbio Biotech Enterprise Masterclass is all about fostering entrepreneurship among Austria's life scientists. Founded by xista in 2023, the course quickly gained support from prestigious institutions, united by a common goal: To equip Austria's life scientists with the knowledge and skills to turn their discoveries into innovative products and medicines.

Our 2024 cohort featured 20 aspiring biotech founders from all over Vienna and its surrpundings. Participating in 13 intensive sessions over 11 weeks, the participants learned essential skills like market assessment, legal intricacies, and leadership skills.

Celebrating Demo Day

On June 27th, the Sky Lounge at the University of Vienna buzzed with excitement as the second cohort of xbio participants showcased their innovations at the xbio Demo Day. The event was a resounding success, with seven participants presenting their groundbreaking ideas to esteemed judges Regina Hodits (Wellington Partners Life Sciences), Elvira Kainersdorfer (Takeda), Peter Nussbaumer (wings4innovation GmbH), and Larissa Kahr (LISAvienna).

Gunpreet Oberoi won first place for her project Safe Vascular Access Needle (SVAN). An injection device which offers a safe way to administer medication to newborns in emergencies. Participants Maria Anzengruber, Artemis Saukin, and Katharina Skoll also received special mentions from our judges for their outstanding contributions.

Our Mission 

The xista ecosystem continues to serve as a fertile ground for biotech and deep tech spinoffs in and outside of Austria. The xbio course not only provides its participants with the tools and network necessary for success but also aims to foster an entrepreneurial spirit within Austria’s vibrant life science sector.


(c) Zsolt Marton

Further exciting news from our ecosystem

Empowering Biotech Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the xbio 2024 Masterclass

We have created xbio as an entrepreneurship course designed to help researchers transition their high-quality academic research into the pre-spinoff phase. 

  • 13 leading Life Science Institutions
  • 50+ Mentors and Experts 
  • 20 Participants

A Unique Collaboration in Austria

What sets xbio apart is its unique collaborative model. The Masterclass is a joint effort by 13 leading life science institutions in and around Vienna, making it a standout program in Austria. This partnership includes ISTA, xista, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, ÖAW, GMI, IMBA, CeMM, TU Wien, AIT, VetMed, Wings4Innovation, KHAN, aws, INiTS, and WU. Together, these institutions curate a comprehensive Masterclass, culminating in a Demo Day and a network of 50+ industry leaders who serve as mentors and speakers.

The Impact of xbio

The xbio Biotech Enterprise Masterclass is all about fostering entrepreneurship among Austria's life scientists. Founded by xista in 2023, the course quickly gained support from prestigious institutions, united by a common goal: To equip Austria's life scientists with the knowledge and skills to turn their discoveries into innovative products and medicines.

Our 2024 cohort featured 20 aspiring biotech founders from all over Vienna and its surrpundings. Participating in 13 intensive sessions over 11 weeks, the participants learned essential skills like market assessment, legal intricacies, and leadership skills.

Celebrating Demo Day

On June 27th, the Sky Lounge at the University of Vienna buzzed with excitement as the second cohort of xbio participants showcased their innovations at the xbio Demo Day. The event was a resounding success, with seven participants presenting their groundbreaking ideas to esteemed judges Regina Hodits (Wellington Partners Life Sciences), Elvira Kainersdorfer (Takeda), Peter Nussbaumer (wings4innovation GmbH), and Larissa Kahr (LISAvienna).

Gunpreet Oberoi won first place for her project Safe Vascular Access Needle (SVAN). An injection device which offers a safe way to administer medication to newborns in emergencies. Participants Maria Anzengruber, Artemis Saukin, and Katharina Skoll also received special mentions from our judges for their outstanding contributions.

Our Mission 

The xista ecosystem continues to serve as a fertile ground for biotech and deep tech spinoffs in and outside of Austria. The xbio course not only provides its participants with the tools and network necessary for success but also aims to foster an entrepreneurial spirit within Austria’s vibrant life science sector.


(c) Zsolt Marton

Pitch your idea

Investment process

1. Share your Information

Use the form to tell us about your startup. Our team will review the details provided and will get back to you as soon as possible. If you meet the required criteria, we’ll plan together the next steps of your funding journey.

2. Start the financing process

We start by inviting you to a meeting and gather more information relevant to conducting a due diligence process, evaluating your business plans, growth strategy, and financial forecasts. Together, we analyze and determine the essential details and deal structure to meet your unique financing requirements.

3. Raise capital

If we invest, we will likely lead your funding round and will help you to fill your round and guide you through the process. From round preparations to execution, our team is here to support you, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

4. Go beyond financing

We will be your partner in everything you encounter while executing your plans. We offer continuous support and guidance as we firmly believe long-term succes is a shared mission.