A major success for the Würzburg-based biotech start-up TigerShark Science: the company has been awarded the 2026 Bavarian Start-up Prize in the ‘Start-up’ category. The team also secured first place in BayStartUP’s 2026 Northern Bavaria Business Plan Competition.
Using its innovative technology, TigerShark Science, based in Würzburg, cultivates human skin models in the laboratory, thereby providing realistic testing systems for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies. The models replicate the structure of human skin with exceptional accuracy, include additional features such as hair, and remain stable for several weeks. The artificial human skin models are designed to help pharmaceutical, biotech and cosmetics companies test active ingredients more precisely and efficiently. This is intended to shorten development times, reduce costs and help minimise animal testing.
After a seven-year break, the Bavarian Start-up Award was presented once again in 2026. At BMW Welt in Munich, the Bavarian savings banks honoured companies and entrepreneurs for their business achievements and their contribution to Bavaria as a business hub. The winners were selected, depending on the category, by a panel of experts and, in some cases, by the public via ‘likes’ on social media posts.
At the Northern Bavaria Business Plan Competition, TigerShark Science impressed the jury with its clear business model, compelling market opportunities, and scalable technology. Organized by BayStartUP, the competition supports technology-oriented start-up teams in transforming scientific innovations into marketable and financially viable companies. This year, the competition reached a new record high with 188 business concepts submitted.
TigerShark Science was founded by Amelie Reigl, Dr. Dieter Groneberg, and Prof. Florian Groeber-Becker. The company aims to revolutionize preclinical research using human-relevant skin models, thereby accelerating the development of new therapies and skincare products.
TigerShark Science is currently preparing a funding round and is seeking investors who would like to support the company on its path to further growth.