FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our unique program. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please feel free to reach out!
PharmStars is a global accelerator for digital health startups seeking pharma and biotech clients or partners. Our program offers tailored education and personalized mentoring to help startups achieve greater success when engaging with pharma. Our startups present to and meet with PharmStars’ pharma members at our Showcase Event. Our pharma members enjoy access to our select group of promising, educated digital health startups that align with their needs.
Startups apply online to participate in a cohort focused on a theme of interest to our pharma members. Ten startups are selected to participate in PharmaU(TM), our 10-week educational and mentoring program that culminates with a private, members-only Showcase Event. Our educated startups present their refined pitches to pharma members and may have one-on-one meetings with members at the Showcase Event.
PharmStars’ members are forward-thinking biopharma companies who recognize the importance of digital health innovation in supporting their strategic business goals and ultimately improving patient outcomes. These biopharma firms enjoy many benefits from their PharmStars membership, including access to PharmStars’ curated cohorts of qualified, educated, and engaged digital health startups.
In the Fall of 2025, there will be a cohort of 10 startups that will participate in our 10-week PharmaU program. This is the second of the two cohorts in 2025.
Participating startups can be based anywhere in the world. On average about 40% of the startups accepted into the program have been headquartered outside of the US. Our international participants have gained a lot from participating in the PharmStars accelerator.
Each pharma member designates a champion to liaise between their firm and PharmStars' startups, including at the Showcase Event. The champions are director-level or higher with strong internal relationships, demonstrated interest and comfort in working with startups, and familiarity with their firm’s digital health needs and strategy.
Yes, our pharma members assist in the selection of our cohort themes.
No, members are not involved in selection of the startups. Pharma members will meet startups in person for the first time at the Showcase Event.
The “Executive Ed” portion of PharmaU provides optional, proprietary educational seminars and workshops on key topics to assist our pharma members in closing the “pharma-startup gap.”
No, PharmStars will not be involved in the negotiations between members and startups. Our role is to select, educate, and prepare startups to engage in constructive conversations with pharma. The rest is up to each startup.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PharmaU classes and mentoring will be held virtually. Startups based anywhere in the world can participate.
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.
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.
We have an extensive curriculum that builds on itself. Because our curriculum is cumulative, startup representatives are expected to attend all PharmaU classes.
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.
Each cohort culminates with the private Showcase Event. All startups will pitch to an audience of PharmStars pharma members and sponsors. It is a unique and powerful way to turbo charge your business development activities with pharma.
The Showcase Event will be live provided there is no public health emergency that precludes a meeting of this kind. A virtual option may be made available if a startup is prohibited from travel for some reason.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When applications are being accepted, the application form is available under the “Apply” tab located on the main website menu.
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in PharmStars.
There is no fee to apply. Startups accepted as semi-finalists will be asked to pay a refundable Participation Deposit (see additional details below).
Startups accepted into the cohort will pay tuition of $ 30,000 USD to participate, which is less than the actual cost and value of the program. Startups that successfully graduate will receive an investment from the PharmStars Ventures Fund well in excess of the cost of tuition and will net cash from participating in the accelerator. See details on the stages and timing of the tuition payment in the “Tuition” section below.
Yes, the application needs to be completed online in one sitting. We recommend downloading a copy of the application from the application tab of this website, working on the application offline, and then pasting your answers into the application.
Yes. While PharmStars can be of tremendous assistance to startups with no experience engaging with pharma, startups that have had success engaging pharma as customers have also found the program to be extremely valuable. The opportunity to pitch and meet with our members can accelerate any startup’s pharma pipeline.
We will choose digital health startups to join the accelerator based on:
Yes. Accelerators have different focuses and offer different benefits. PharmStars is the only accelerator for digital health startups focused on understanding the pharma industry and learning how pharma “thinks.” Our expert staff has extensive pharma experience and will assist startups in refining their value proposition and crafting a pitch that resonates with pharma.
Startups will be notified on a rolling basis by email if they are selected as a semi-finalist.
Semi-finalists must sign and return the “Participation Terms and Conditions Acknowledgement Form” and provide a refundable $500 Participation Deposit within three days of notification.
Semi-finalists must return their signed “Participation Terms and Conditions Acknowledgement Form” and make their Participation Deposit within three business days of notification to remain eligible.
PharmStars receives many applications and invests significant resources in the selection of startups for each cohort. The purpose of the Participation Deposit is to ensure that these resources are focused on applicants who are committed to participating in the PharmStars program, should they be selected.
If the startup is accepted into this cohort, their deposit will be credited toward the tuition payment required for participation (or forfeited if the startup declines to participate). If the startup is not selected to participate in the cohort, their deposit will be fully refunded within 30 days of notification, given the startup has provided the requested repayment mechanism details.
Acceptances will be communicated by email on or around August 25, 2025. Startups must respond within 2 business days to accept or decline the opportunity to join PharmStars. If no response is received within 2 business days, the invitation will be forfeited and extended to another applicant.
If an applicant is not selected, the startup may apply for future cohorts. Unlike other accelerators, a large component of our selection process is fit with the cohort theme and our pharma members’ current needs. This means we often must pass on some incredible startups. We have accepted a number of startups who applied but were not previously selected.
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.
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.
The PharmStars Ventures Fund (PSVF) invests in each PharmStars graduate via a SAFE.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The SAFE has no valuation cap. This means it converts at whatever the startup’s valuation is at the next priced round.
No, startups are expected to sign the SAFE as written. Since there is no cap, there is nothing to negotiate.
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.
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.
The SAFE will be issued within 4 weeks after the Showcase Event, provided the startup successfully completes the PharmStars program requirements.
To successfully complete the PharmStars program, the primary participants from the startup must:
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.
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.
No, startups are required to keep PharmaU curriculum and materials confidential.
No, startups and members are not allowed to share confidential information in the application or at any time during the program.
Email us at info@pharmstars.com.
For any technical difficulties with the online application, please contact info@pharmstars.com.