Schwabe Group launches Pelargonium sidoides Discovery Challenge
2026-08-19
In 2021, we launched the Schwabe Phyto Innovation Challenge with a clear conviction: the immense biodiversity of the plant world still holds tremendous untapped potential for future health solutions. At the same time, we recognized that unlocking this potential requires new ways of collaboration.
That is why we opened our doors to universities, research institutions, and start-ups worldwide, inviting them to join us in an open innovation approach that was, at the time, unique within the phytopharmaceutical industry.
Through the Schwabe Phyto Innovation Challenge we committed not only financial resources up to €1 million, but also scientific expertise, technical capabilities, and access to Schwabe's extensive phytochemical libraries built over decades of research.
Looking back, we are proud that this initiative has already led to research collaborations with outstanding academic partners.
Pelargonium sidoides Discovery Challenge
Building on the success of the Schwabe Phyto Innovation Challenge, we have expanded our open innovation activities by launching the Pelargonium sidoides Discovery Challenge.
For years, EPs® 7630, derived from Pelargonium sidoides roots, has been a cornerstone of evidence-based phytomedicine for upper respiratory tract infections. But the story is not yet complete.
The scientific literature suggests that only 70-80% of the extract's constituents have been characterized. We believe the remaining fraction may hold valuable scientific insights.
With the Pelargonium sidoides Discovery Challenge, we are seeking researchers with expertise in the following areas:
✅ Analytical chemistry
✅ Phytochemistry
✅ Natural products research
✅ Advanced structure elucidation techniques
The mission: To identify and characterize novel secondary meabolites in Pelargonium sidoides roots and EPs® 7630.
The Pelargonium sidoides Discovery Challenge will be officially presented for the first time at the 74th International Congress on Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research in Reims, France, from August 30 to September 2, 2026.
Anyone interested can already find out more in advance on the dedicated website: Pelargonium sidoides discovery challenge | phytoinnovation