Chiesi

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Champion

Chiesi
Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people living with rare diseases. As a family business, Chiesi Group strives to create a world where it is common to have a therapy for all diseases and acts as a force for good, for society and the planet. The goal of the Global Rare Diseases unit is to ensure equal access so as many people as possible can experience their most fulfilling life. The unit collaborates with the rare disease community around the globe to bring voice to underserved people in the health care system.
For more information visit: www.chiesirarediseases.com

Chiesi FAST Discovery Award

The Chiesi FAST Discovery Award recognizes the aspiring life-science companies and entrepreneurs who are driving scientific innovation to cure rare disease and developing novel tools and platform technologies for applications in nucleotide therapeutics.

chiesi’s target therapeutic areas

  • Hematology
  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Endo-metabolic
  • Inborn errors of metabolism

desired applicant areas of interest

  • Organ-specific delivery vectors
  • In vivo gene editing
  • In vivo gene therapy approaches

How to Apply

Your non-confidential application should highlight your innovative approach to advancing therapies for patients with high unmet needs. All submissions will be reviewed by Chiesi, and one awardee will be selected to receive the Chiesi FAST Discovery Award, a fast-tracked spot in the Fall 2026 FAST California program.  Learn more about FAST California here.

Please direct any questions or comments to Shikha Sharma at [email protected].

Key Dates for 2026 Fall FAST Program

July 6, 2026

Applications Close

August 2026

chiesi award winner announced

September 2026

Program kickoff (virtual)

December 10, 2026

innovation showcase (Bay AreA)