Science4Life e.V. is an independent start-up initiative that offers advice, support and further training free of charge to young companies in the life sciences, chemicals and energy sectors throughout Germany. Since 1998, the initiators and sponsors have been the Hessian state government and the healthcare company Sanofi. Once a year, the initiative organizes Germany's largest business plan competition for the life sciences, chemicals and energy sectors. The best founding teams from the fields of life sciences and chemistry are awarded the Science4Life Venture Cup. The Science4Life Energy Cup is an industry-specific award for start-up projects from the energy sector. With an expert network of over 200 companies and institutions with over 300 volunteer experts, the Venture Cup is the largest industry-specific competition.