Info 2026 round

Biotech Booster program
Information 2026 round

We are currently preparing for a new subsidy round. Please note that we are moving forward on a preliminary basis. In 2026, the Biotech Booster program will allocate a maximum of €200.000 per project to fund Level 1 projects and €1.9 million per project to fund Level 2 projects. For this subsidy call, a pre-application is mandatory. You may submit your project pre-application before December 1, 2025. It is expected that selected projects can submit a grant application via DUS-I in Q2-Q3 of 2026. 

  • For more information about the subsidy scheme & criteria: have a look at this DUS-i page.
  • For more information about the application and selection process: please continue reading below. 

General information

Please read carefully, and then select your Level in the tabs above.

Sign up for our information sessions

Join us for our Information Sessions and discover everything you need to know about our program! You will learn about the objectives and structure of the program, as well as the details of the application and selection process. We will guide you through the key steps and there will be plenty of time to ask any questions you may have. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to gain clarity and ensure a smooth application process:

  • 28/10/25, 14:00-15:00 Level 1 information session: sign up here

  • 30/10/25, 11:00-12:00 Level 2 information session: sign up here

  • 11/12/25, 14:00-15:00  Level 1 Application Form information session: sign up here

  • 15/01/26, 14:00-15:00  Level 2 Requirements information session: Success Sharing, PoA, TC agreement: sign up here

Program Information

About the Biotech Booster Program

The Biotech Booster program helps turn scientific discoveries in biotechnology into real societal impact, while strengthening the Dutch research, development, and innovation ecosystem. We support early-stage innovation projects on their path to valorization by providing not only funding, but also access to the right expertise and networks to accelerate commercialization.

Two types of projects are eligible for financial support:

  • Level 1: Proof of Principle: early-stage projects (up to €200,000)

  • Level 2: Proof of Concept: more advanced projects (up to €1.9 million)

Download program guide

Download program guide

Subsidy scheme & criteria

The Biotech Booster program is funded by the National Growth Fund. The Proof-of-Principle (Level 1) and Proof-of-Concept (Level 2) subsidies are granted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (OCW) and Implementing Agency for Grants to Institutions (DUS-I). All applications will be evaluated and selected by Biotech Booster, and only those receiving a positive selection advice may proceed to submit their project to DUS-I via a portal opening from Q2 to Q3 2026. DUS-I will then determine whether the project application aligns with the subsidy scheme and, if eligible, officially award the subsidy for the project. DUS-I and the Ministry of OCW are responsible for the legal framework, more information on the subsidy scheme and criteria can be found on this DUS-i page.  

Thematic Clusters (TC's)

Biotech Booster operates on a national level through a central office and 39 business- and impact developers spread over 20+ knowledge institutes in The Netherlands. They work in 5 Thematic Clusters (TC’s) that each represent specific biotech focus areas.

In your pre-application, you must select the Thematic Cluster (TC) that best fits your project:

  • TC 1: Industrial Biotechnology & Production
  • TC 2: Agriculture & Food
  • TC 3: ATMP’s, biopharmaceuticals, and Associated Enabling Technologies
  • TC 4: Diagnostics & Services
  • TC 5: Vaccines, Small Molecules, Discovery & Development Platforms

Innovation Readiness Level

To best support each individual project, Biotech Booster uses the KTH Royal Institute of Technology Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) model to assess their development status and define suitable next steps.

In your pre-application, you must select the Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) that best fits your project:

  • Level 1: Proof-of-Principle
  • Level 2: Proof-of-Concept

Innovation Readiness Level for Level 1 projects

For Proof-of-Principle projects to enter our program we expect them to start at an early stage of innovation development, corresponding to KTH IRL 2-3. Projects at this stage have formulated their technology, identified potential markets, with an initial understanding of business opportunities and intellectual property. Basic competencies and team are in place.   

When your Proof-of-Principle project has entered our program, the focus of the activities will be on taking your innovation further on the project roadmap. Guided by a Biotech Booster business development team, you will be working on e.g. market feedback, validation of critical functions in the lab, developing the outlines of your business model and intellectual property strategy. For our health, pharma & diagnostics related projects, additional internationally validated frameworks for innovation in health are used when relevant.   

By the end of Level 1, projects have validated their technology in the lab, gained insights in users and/or customers and outlined a viable business model, technology roadmap and IP strategy. A committed project leader is in place, key competencies are secured, and preparations for next-stage funding are underway.  

Innovation Readiness Level for Level 2 projects

To enter level 2, we expect projects, either new or after level 1, to be at an (KTH) IRL of 4-5. A panel of entrepreneurs must be convinced that the project is innovative, can deliver societal and commercial impact, and that the team can make it investable within two years.   

When admitted to the program, level 2 projects will be guided by experienced entrepreneurs from the Biotech Booster Pool of Entrepreneurs. The team will be working on validating key assumptions and market feedback for the business model, strengthening IP strategy and business value, to prepare for further development and potential investment and/or scale out.  

After a successful level 2, the Biotech Booster team guides the project towards a relevant transaction or scale-out, such as the founding of a start-up, a license deal or an asset sale (Level 3). 

Go back to top and select your Biotech Booster project level

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Submit your pre-application form

Level 1: application info

Orientation

Preparation

Application

Orientation

Who can apply

All researchers and project teams with a biotech idea that fits with the Innovation Readiness Level-criteria (as mentioned in the General Information tab) are welcome to apply.  

Any knowledge institutes referenced in the subsidy scheme that have signed the TC agreement of Biotech Booster are eligible as main applicant. Institutes that have not yet signed this TC agreement may do so during the application process. The following types of institutes may apply as main applicants:  

  • Universities  
  • University Medical Centers (UMCs)
  • Universities of Applied Sciences  
  • Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) 
  • Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) 
  • Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)  

Start-ups and companies may participate in the project as project partners. Applicants representing start-ups or research organizations that do not fit within the specified categories are requested to contact aanvragen@biotechbooster.nl for further information. 

What can you apply for?

The Level 1 “Proof-of-Principle” subsidy is an activity based funding up to €200.000,–   per project. The subsidy does not cover the costs for IP and permanent personnel and projects can last a maximum of 2 years  

Process and deadlines

The application process is explained in more detail below and in the Biotech Booster Application Information, but this table shows an overview of all important application deadlines. 

What 

Date 

Level 1 information session 

28 October 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 

Pre-application 

Until 30 November 2025, 23:59 

Level 1 Application Form information session 

11 December 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 

First version application form  

9 January 2026, 23:59 

Final version application form  

27 February 2026, 23:59 

Final selection for DUS-I submission 

1 May 2026 

Closing date DUS-I portal 

15 September 2026, 23:59 

 

Approval by DUS-I  

Within 13 weeks after submission to DUS-I 

Start project 

Within 6 months after submission to DUS-I 

Preparation

How to prepare

  • Contact your local knowledge transfer office and discuss your project idea  
  • Sign up for the Biotech Booster Level 1 information sessions below 

Join our information sessions

  • Level 1 information session on Thursday 28th of October, 14:00-15:00. Sign up here 
  • Level 1 Application Form information session on Thursday 11th of December 2025, 14:00-15:00 (Please note: Only for project ideas that went through pre-application and are eligible for full application)  Sign up here

Documents for your application

Application

Detailed (step-by-step) application instructions are provided in the Biotech Booster Applicant Information. We recommend that you read and follow those instructions. Below you will find the critical deadlines and required documentation for each step. 

Step 1: Pre-application

Deadline: 30th of November 2025, 23:59 

For this subsidy call a pre-application is mandatory. We use the information provided in the pre-application form to check whether your project idea fits with the objectives of the Biotech Booster subsidy scheme. 

Submit the pre-application form before the deadline. An example pre-application form available. 

Step 2: Submission 1st version application form

Deadline: 9th of January 2026, 23:59 

By December 9 you will hear if your project idea is eligible for the application process.  

For eligible project ideas a first version of the application form has to be submitted to submissionportal@biotechbooster.nl before the deadline.   

Corresponding templates:

Step 3: Submit final application form and project video

Deadline 27th of February 2026, 23:59 

An improved final version of the application form has to be submitted together with a project video to submissionportal@biotechbooster.nl before the deadline.   

Corresponding templates: 

Step 4: Preparation of submission documents and submission to DUS-I

Selected project ideas will be notified on May 1st the latest. Completed project applications have to be submitted to the DUS-I grant application portal before the deadline. This portal will be available on this DUS-I page (expected Q2 2026).  

Corresponding templates:  

Back to top
Submit your pre-application form

Level 2: application info

Orientation

Preparation

Application

Orientation

Who can apply

Start-up, companies, research organizations and/or knowledge institutes, that have signed the Thematic Cluster agreement, can apply for the Level 2 ‘Proof-of-Priniciple” subsidy at Biotech Booster.  

What can you apply for?

The Level 2 “Proof-of-Concept” subsidy is a milestone based funding up to €1.300.000 per project. Additionally, personnel costs up to €600.000 can be funded by the subsidy. Projects duration is maximum 2 years.  

Process and deadlines

The application process is explained in more detail below and in the Biotech Booster Applicant Information, but this table shows an overview of all important application deadlines. 

What  Deadline  
Level 2 information session  30 Oktober 2025, 11:00 – 12:00 
Deadline Pre-application  30 November 2025, 23:59  

Level 2 Requirements information session:
Success Sharing, PoA, TC agreement

15 January 2026, 14:00 – 15:00 
Deadline Application Documents   6 February 2026, 23:59  
First selection    10 April 2026 
Deadline Application Documents 24 April 2026, 23:59  
Interview Biotech Booster panel   11 May 2026 – 22 May 2026  
Deadline Application Documents 19 June 2026 , 23:59  
Pitch training  t.b.d.  
Pitch to Panel of Entrepreneurs  06 July 2026 -  10 July 2026  
Final selection outcome  24 July 2026  

Preparation

How to prepare

Join our information sessions

  • Level 2 information session on Thursday 30th of October 2025 from 11.00-12.00. Sign up here
  • Level 2 Application Form information session on Thursday 15th of January 2026 from 14.00-15.00. (Please note: Only for project ideas that went through pre-application and are eligible for full application.) Sign up here

Documents for your application

Application

Full application instructions are in the Biotech Booster Applicant Information. We recommend you to read and follow those instructions. Below you’ll find only the key deadlines and required documents.

Step 1: Pre-application

Deadline: 30th of November 2025, 23:59 

For this subsidy call a pre-application is mandatory. We use the information provided in the pre-application form to check whether your project idea fits with the objectives of the Biotech Booster subsidy scheme. 

Submit the pre-application form before the deadline. For preparation purposes, an example pre-application form available. 

Step 2: Submission application documents

Deadline: 6th of February 2026, 23:59 

By December 9 you will hear if your project idea is eligible for the application process.  

After a project idea is considered eligible for application to the program,  a complete application should be submitted to submissionportal@biotechbooster.nl before the deadline.   

Corresponding templates:  

Step 3: Interview by Biotech Booster Panel

Deadline 24th of April 2026, 23:59 
Interview dates: 11–15 May 2026 & 18–22 May 2026

You will be informed by Friday 10th of April 2026 whether your application is selected to proceed to an interview by a Biotech Booster Panel, and you will receive feedback on your application documents. Application documents and an additional budget sheet have to be submitted to submissionportal@biotechbooster.nl before the deadline. The interviews are scheduled to take place during the weeks of 11 and 22 May.     

Corresponding templates:  

Step 4: Pitch to Panel of Entrepreneurs

Deadline: 19th of June 2026, 23:59
Pitch dates: 6-10 July 2026

By Friday 5th of June 2026, you will be notified whether your application has been selected to proceed to pitch to the Panel of Entrepreneurs. The application documents have to be submitted to submissionportal@biotechbooster.nl before the deadline. Biotech Booster will organize a pitch workshop to help you prepare, of which details are shared in due time. The pitches to the panel of entrepreneurs will take place in the week of 6 – 10 July, and the outcome of the final selection will be communicated 24th of July at the latest.       

Step 5: Preparation of submission documents and submission to DUS-I

Deadline: 15th of September 2026, 23:59 (expected) 

Selected project ideas have to be submitted to the DUS-I grant application portal before the deadline. This portal will be available on Biotech Booster | Subsidie | Dienst Uitvoering Subsidies aan Instellingen (expected Q2 2026). Biotech Booster will provide guidance through the process of completing all necessary documentation.  

Corresponding templates:

Back to top
Submit your pre-application form

Documents overview

Level 1

Level 2

Back to top
Submit your pre-application form

Register for our information sessions

Join us for our Information Sessions and discover everything you need to know about our program! We will guide you through the key information and there will be plenty of time to ask questions:

  • 28/10/25, 14:00-15:00 Level 1 information session: sign up here

  • 30/10/25, 11:00-12:00 Level 2 information session: sign up here

 

Please note for the infosessions below. These are only for project ideas that went through pre-application and are eligible for full application:

  • 11/12/25, 14:00-15:00  Level 1 Application Form information session: sign up here

  • 15/01/26, 14:00-15:00  Level 2 Requirements information session: Success Sharing, PoA, TC agreement: sign up here

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