Overview

What is PharmaUTM?

PharmaU is PharmStars’ unique, proprietary educational program, developed and led by the PharmStars team. PharmaU consists of three parts:
1) a structured, comprehensive curriculum to teach startups what they need to know about pharma;
2) individualized coaching and mentoring for startups on developing and presenting their pharma-specific value proposition and how to subsequently effectively engage pharma; and
3) a series of workshops and seminars for pharma members, known as “Executive Ed,” on how to implement digital health programs and partnerships.

What is in the curriculum?

We have asynchronous and real-time virtual classes. The curriculum focuses on what startups need to know to engage with pharma, including: pharma basics, pharma’s internal structure and functions, how drugs are developed, pharma business models, regulatory drivers, pharma-startup deal structures, and current industry trends. Much of the content is studied asynchronously and real-time classes are focused on discussion and review. There is ample opportunity for peer-to-peer sharing through dynamic conversation and interactive workshops. Our startups have told us that our curriculum is both educational and fun.

Who teaches the curriculum?

The curriculum is taught by PharmStars' expert faculty and occasional external speakers.  Material is taught through asynchronous videos that participants watch at their convenience. Real-time classes focus on review and discussion and time is also reserved for hearing from and engaging with our pharma members.

What mentoring will the startups receive?

Our mentoring program is unique and highly personalized. We work one-on-one with each startup, getting to know their product and business in order to provide tailored guidance.  Mentoring focuses on defining a unique pharma value proposition and business model, developing a successful pitch, creating appropriate pharma deal terms and structures, and more.  Every startup completes the program with a revised, custom, high-impactful pharma pitch.

Who provides the mentoring?

Our expert PharmStars staff (not an ad hoc mentor network) serve as mentors and provide each startup with individualized guidance on enhancing their business case and preparing to engage with pharma. All of our mentors have deep pharma experience. We believe you must know pharma well to mentor others on pharma. See the bios of our mentors on the “Team” page.

Do the startups meet the pharma champions before the Showcase Event?

Yes, the champions from our pharma members participate in Members’ Panels and Fireside Chats. These discussions are a wonderful, informal way for our startups to learn about the member companies’ interests. Startups appreciate getting to know the member champions and having opportunities to ask them questions before they present to them at the Showcase Event.

What are “Fireside Chats” and “Members Panels”?

Throughout PharmaU, PharmStars provides startups access to and engagement with pharma members through Fireside Chats and Members Panels. Pharma members join virtual classes for a “Fireside Chat” where they share background on their organization’s structure, culture, objectives and digital health strategy. Members Panels are comprised of several members engaging in conversation about digital health and innovation in the pharma ecosystem. In both Fireside Chats and Members Panels, startups have the opportunity to ask questions, gaining insights into how pharma functions and approaches digital health innovation.

Who from the startup companies participates in PharmaU?

Each participating startup is expected to send at least two and up to four full-time members of their senior leadership to PharmaU. At least two of the representatives must have decision-making authority to represent the startup when engaging in conversations with prospective pharma clients. Ideally, the representatives should include the startup’s CEO and another senior leader. To gain the full value from our accelerator, representatives are expected to participate in the entire 10-week program, attending classes and mentoring meetings.

What is the time commitment to the program?

Real-time, virtual classes are 3 hours per week of which 45 minutes is optional. The optional component includes hearing our pharma champions talk about their companies in our exclusive pharma member Fireside Chats and Members’ Panels.  Participants will also be expected to watch asynchronous video classes on their own. There will be projects to help participants prepare their pharma pitch decks.

Logistics

What is the in-person Launch Event?

The Fall 2025 PharmaU program will begin with a mandatory, in-person Launch Event on September 10-11 in Boston. This live event provides an opportunity for participants to meet the PharmStars team, their cohort peers, and mentors and to learn important details about the accelerator. We dive into the PharmaU curriculum and begin mentoring.

When and where will the Launch Event be held?

The Launch Event will begin at 9 a.m. ET on September 10 and conclude by 5 p.m. ET on September 11. The event will be held in Boston, MA. Applicants should reserve time on their calendars to accommodate both travel and meeting times. Additional details and information on nearby accommodations will be shared with the applicants accepted into the cohort.

What if I can’t travel for the Launch Event or the Showcase Event?

PharmStars requires in-person attendance at both the Launch Event and the Showcase Event. Exceptions will be made only in special circumstances such as illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

What is the class schedule?

Classes will be held virtually on Mondays and Thursdays 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET from September 15 - November 13, 2025. Applicants should block their calendars to be available for all classes.

When will mentoring sessions be held?

Startups will select mutually agreeable meeting times with the PharmStars staff for weekly mentoring sessions. We expect each startup will have multiple meetings over the course of the program.

Will PharmaU be held in person or virtually?

PharmaU classes and mentoring will be held virtually. Startups based anywhere in the world can participate.

How many representatives can a startup have participate in PharmStars?

Each startup must have at least two primary representatives who will actively and consistently participate in the PharmStars accelerator. A startup may also include up to two additional representatives to participate in PharmaU.

Who represents a startup in the PharmStars program?

Each participating startup is expected to send at least two members of their senior leadership to PharmaU as their primary representatives. These representatives must have decision-making authority to represent the startup when engaging in conversations with prospective pharma clients. Ideally, the representatives should be the startup’s CEO and other senior leaders. To gain the full value from our accelerator, representatives are expected to participate in the entire PharmaU program, attending classes and mentoring meetings. The CEO and one other representative are expected in person at the Launch Event and Showcase Event. Up to two additional representatives are welcome to attend classes and mentoring meetings. Depending on space, the additional representatives may or may not be able to attend the Launch Event and Showcase Event.

Is attendance mandatory?

We have an extensive curriculum that builds on itself. Because our curriculum is cumulative, startup representatives are expected to attend all PharmaU classes.

What if I cannot attend a class?

Participants are expected to make every effort to attend all classes. Since there will be multiple representatives from each startup, they can coordinate among one another to catch up on any material that is missed. Under special circumstances, classes may be recorded and shared.

What type of startups should apply?

We accept digital health startups that want to engage pharma as clients or partners, would benefit from access to our pharma members, recognize the importance of an enhanced understanding of pharma, and fit with the theme of our accelerator. Digital health startups that are interested in receiving coaching to create a clearer value proposition and a better pharma pitch are ideal candidates.

What is a digital health startup?

We define a digital health startup as one that is leveraging technology (hardware or software) to deliver care or information to patients or providers. Startups with innovative technology in any of the following are welcome to apply: software; devices; AI, machine learning or other algorithms; or tech-enabled services.

If I have an innovative medical device, can I participate in PharmStars?

Absolutely! We consider medical devices to be part of digital health innovation. Our pharma members are interested in using innovative software and technologies of all types.  We have had many medical device startups successfully graduate from our accelerator.

What stage should the applying startups be at?

Startups eligible for the program should have a prototype or product developed which they are ready to offer to pharma. Pre-seed through Series B funded startups have successfully participated in our program.

What if I am already selling to pharma? How will PharmStars benefit my startup?

That is great! If you want more pharma clients, PharmStars can turbo charge your startup’s pharma business development activities. PharmStars provides the unique opportunity to pitch and meet with our pharma members at our Showcase Event. Our startups and members have both reported that their first meetings with each other have been much more successful than other traditional first meetings. Furthermore, PharmaU will help you better understand how pharma works and how to be a better partner. Series and A and B funded startups with existing pharma clients have reported tremendous benefit from participation in our program and particularly the personalized mentoring.

What is the focus of the startups that will be selected to participate in this cohort?

The Fall 2025 cohort will focus on digital innovations in data management and insights. We welcome applications from startups with any type of novel tool to collect, manage, and derive insights from data.

What benefits can startups expect from the program?

Startups that participate in PharmStars can benefit in numerous ways. Through PharmaU, participants will learn about the pharma industry and how to successfully navigate pharma organizations. Startups will also receive personalized mentoring to assist them in preparing and articulating a value proposition that resonates with pharma.  Startups will also create an effective pharma-focused sales deck. Startups will meet our pharma members at a series of Members’ Panels and Fireside Chats before having the chance to pitch them during the Showcase Event. Startups may also be invited to one-on-one meetings with our pharma members. In addition, startups will also have the opportunity to be part of a community with other pharma-focused startups. Startups that successfully complete the accelerator will also receive an investment from the PharmStars Ventures Fund.

Should startups approach new pharma clients while enrolled in PharmStars?

Startups will gain tremendous insight into the functioning of pharma companies over the course of PharmaU, which may influence their plans for how to best engage pharma. As a result of personalized mentoring, startups may pivot their business model and/or value proposition. Startups will also develop a high-quality pharma-focused pitch deck in the accelerator. Startups get only one chance to make a good first impression with pharma.  It is in the best interest of participating startups to wait to initiate any new contacts with pharma until they have completed the accelerator. Startups enrolled in PharmStars are discouraged from seeking new pharma business engagements from the time of acceptance into PharmStars until the conclusion of the Showcase Event.

What happens after a startup graduates?

A startup’s connection with PharmStars doesn’t end when they complete PharmaU. After graduation, startups are invited to join PharmStars’ alumni community and participate in  “Graduate School” (Grad School). PharmStars’ Grad School program provides engaging, ongoing enrichment and a vibrant community network of digital health startups seeking to engage pharma. Grad School meets monthly and features virtual, real-time classes with a variety of speakers, workshops, discussion panels, case studies, and networking opportunities. Alumni who participate develop additional skills and have continued access to our pharma members.

Does PharmStars take equity in startups that participate in PharmStars?

No, unlike other accelerators, startups are not required to give equity to participate. However, all successful graduates will receive an uncapped SAFE, which will convert into equity during the next priced round.

What is the tuition for the PharmStars PharmaU program?

The total tuition for the program is $ 30,000 USD and covers participation for 2-4 startup representatives. See below for details on the PharmStars Ventures investment that will more than cover the cost of tuition.

How does the tuition payment process work?

• Startups will pay a $500 refundable Participation Deposit, which will go toward tuition and be returned if the startup is not accepted (see details on the Participation Deposit in the Semi-Finalist section above).
• Upon acceptance into the program, startups are required to pay a total of $6,000 as a Tuition Deposit, which is a partial payment toward the total tuition of $30,000.
• The remaining tuition balance of $24,000 is due upon successful completion of the program.
• The tuition balance may be taken from the SAFE investment cash.

Who provides the SAFE?

The PharmStars Ventures Fund (PSVF) invests in each PharmStars graduate via a SAFE.

What is a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)?

A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a financing instrument that allows investors to invest in a startup in exchange for the right to future equity. Unlike traditional loans or convertible notes, a SAFE does not accrue interest, have a maturity date, or require repayment. Instead, the SAFE converts into equity when the startup raises its next priced funding round or experiences a liquidity event (e.g., acquisition or IPO).

Can tuition be deducted from the SAFE investment?

Yes, for startups that successfully complete the program and receive a SAFE investment from PharmStars Ventures Fund (PSVF), the outstanding tuition balance after the tuition deposit is paid can be subtracted from the SAFE investment amount.

Is taking an investment from PharmStars Ventures mandatory?

Yes, every graduating startup must issue a SAFE to PharmStars Ventures. All startups must use PharmStars Ventures’ standard SAFE agreement and terms. The agreement can be found here.

What happens if a startup does not complete the program?

If a startup does not meet the requirements for successful completion, the SAFE investment will not be issued; however, the tuition balance will still be due.

What are the terms of the PharmStars Ventures’ SAFE?

The PharmStars Ventures Fund (PSVF) SAFE includes no valuation cap and a discount. There is no maximum valuation set for the SAFE conversion. When the SAFE converts into equity, the PSVF receives a 20% discount on the price per share during that priced round.

The SAFE document can be found here.

How does the SAFE discount work?

There is a 20% discount on the SAFE. This means the PharmStars Ventures shares are converted at a price that is 80% of the share price for that round.  80% is the “discount rate” mentioned in the SAFE. The discount reflects the increase in value the accelerator provides the startup and the time value of money associated with providing the SAFE before the next round.

Is there a cap on the SAFE?

The SAFE has no valuation cap. This means it converts at whatever the startup’s valuation is at the next priced round.

Are the terms of the SAFE negotiable?

No, startups are expected to sign the SAFE as written. Since there is no cap, there is nothing to negotiate.

Can startups from outside the US participate?

Yes, as long as the SAFE is a recognized legal instrument in the country. If it is not legal to use a SAFE instrument in the country where a startup is based, the startup will not be eligible to participate. Some minor modifications to the SAFE may be required by PharmStars for ex-US startups.

Does every startup in the cohort get an investment or is it competitive among the startups in the cohort?

Every startup gets a SAFE assuming they graduate successfully. Each startup is selected because of their unique digital innovation. The competition among startups is only for spots in the accelerator.

When will the SAFE investment be issued?

The SAFE will be issued within 4 weeks after the Showcase Event, provided the startup successfully completes the PharmStars program requirements.

What qualifies as “successful completion” of the PharmStars program?

To successfully complete the PharmStars program, the primary participants from the startup must:

• Participate in at least 80% of virtual classes and mentoring sessions.
• Complete all asynchronous video classes assigned.
• Develop an approved pharma-focused pitch deck.
• Present their pitch at the Showcase Event.

What is the rate of successful completion (graduation) of PharmStars startups?

Over the eight cohorts that PharmStars has been running, the overall completion rate is incredibly high. 99% of the startups that started the PharmStars accelerator successfully graduated, completing all the requirements, including presenting at the Showcase Event.

Why is the SAFE investment important for participating startups?

The SAFE investment provides participating startups with essential investment capital and funds to cover tuition. The SAFE also allows the PharmStars Ventures Fund to share in the upside benefit of the startup in the program. PharmStars startups have achieved tremendous product/market fit through the accelerator and many go on to be extremely successful.

Can I share my PharmStars materials?

No, startups are required to keep PharmaU curriculum and materials confidential.

Will confidential information be shared by startups or pharma members during the program?

No, startups and members are not allowed to share confidential information in the application or at any time during the program.

Where should questions about PharmStars be sent?

Email us at info@pharmstars.com.

How can I reach technical support if there are issues related to submitting an application?

For any technical difficulties with the online application, please contact info@pharmstars.com.