Nucleate Activator program
Nucleate is a student-run nonprofit organization that facilitates the formation of new life science ventures [see our stories in STAT and Endpoints]. Our equity-free Activator program supports companies that tackle the biggest challenges in human health. The program connects scientific trainees and business students with a world-class advisor network of startup founders, executives, venture investors, and renowned scientists. Nucleate helps academic trainees form a strategic plan to translate their research out of their lab into a startup through mentorship and a series of professional workshops.

Strong Track Record

Over four years, Nucleate has supported 107 venture teams through our Activator program. Our alumni have gone on to raise over $170M in funding to develop technologies like protein sequencing (Glyphic), drug design (Manifold Bio), microbiome- (Concerto) and RNA-based (NextRNA) therapeutics, microbial fertilizer (Ivu Biologics) and biomanufacturing (FarmForward).

Our primary program begins with a “mutual-matching” team formation phase, followed by workshops and mentor office hours, culminating in a final pitch showcase before world-renowned judges. of program mentors, renowned academics, industry veterans, and top-tier VC judges.