⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 9 Mar 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
The Biotech Booster is a major Dutch programme funded by the National Growth Fund that helps turn scientific discoveries in biotechnology into real societal impact. It offers two funding levels: Level 1 (Proof of Principle) with up to €200,000 and Level 2 (Proof of Concept) with up to €1.9 million per project. Beyond funding, the programme provides access to business development support from 39 specialists across 20+ Dutch knowledge institutes, experienced entrepreneurs and networks to accelerate commercialisation. The programme operates through five thematic clusters covering industrial biotech, agriculture and food, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and drug discovery. Pre-applications for the 2026 round have closed — subscribe to the newsletter for the next round.
What is Biotech Booster looking for?
The programme supports early-stage biotech innovation projects on their path to valorisation across five thematic clusters:
- TC 1: Industrial Biotechnology & Production
- TC 2: Agriculture & Food
- TC 3: ATMPs, Biopharmaceuticals and Associated Enabling Technologies
- TC 4: Diagnostics & Services
- TC 5: Vaccines, Small Molecules, Discovery & Development Platforms
Level 1 projects start at Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) 2-3 and work towards lab validation, customer insights and a viable business model. Level 2 projects enter at IRL 4-5 and are guided by experienced entrepreneurs towards investment readiness within two years. After Level 2, the team guides projects towards a relevant transaction such as founding a startup, a license deal or asset sale. Full details on the official Biotech Booster website.
Who is this for?
- Level 1: Researchers and project teams at Dutch universities, UMCs, universities of applied sciences, NKI, NWO-I and KNAW. Startups and companies can participate as project partners.
- Level 2: Startups, companies, research organisations and knowledge institutes that have signed the Thematic Cluster agreement
- Projects must fit within one of the five thematic clusters
- Level 1 projects: early-stage (IRL 2-3), technology formulated, potential markets identified
- Level 2 projects: more advanced (IRL 4-5), must convince a panel of entrepreneurs that the project is innovative, impactful and investable within two years
What's in it for you?
- Level 1: up to €200,000 activity-based funding (max 2 years, excl. IP and permanent personnel costs)
- Level 2: up to €1.3 million activity-based funding + up to €600,000 for personnel costs (max 2 years, milestone-based)
- Business development guidance from 39 specialists spread across 20+ Dutch knowledge institutes
- Level 2 projects receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs from the Biotech Booster Pool of Entrepreneurs
- Support in strengthening IP strategy, validating business models and preparing for investment
- After Level 2: guidance towards founding a startup, license deal or asset sale (Level 3)
- Access to DUS-I grant application portal for formal subsidy award