With the aim to bridge the funding gap between academic research and innovation and commercialization in life science, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab are launching a new Proof of Concept Grant in Life Science. This grant gives researchers the opportunity to develop their early-stage discoveries towards validated methods, products or processes.
The ambition of the grant program is to facilitate innovation and value for society that arises from excellent academic research.
“Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is a globally important funder of basic research, and we would like to see more of the research that we finance develop into innovations. That’s why we support this initiative”, says Göran Sandberg, Executive Director, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
The scope of the grant encompasses the broad spectrum of areas within life science, including but not limited to therapeutics, medical technology, diagnostics, research tools, e-health, and industrial biotechnology. It also welcomes innovations in environmental science, agriculture, bioenergy, and sustainability.
“The new support provided by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to this initiative is very welcome and much-needed for life science in Sweden. We also hope that SciLifeLab infrastructure and data capabilities can help in the challenge to translate research discoveries. I firmly believe that it will profoundly impact the landscape for innovative researchers, inspiring them to seize the opportunity to leverage their discoveries”, says Olli Kallioniemi, Director SciLifeLab.
The role of SciLifeLab is to set up a panel of experts to evaluate the scientific base and potential of these grants, while Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation will coach the researchers through their innovation vehicle Wallenberg Launchpad (WALP) and make final decisions on the individual grants. To secure a successful application, researchers must focus on presenting a comprehensive plan to verify the usability and suitability of their novel methods, products, or processes derived from research.
“I encourage eligible life science researchers with ideas or disruptive innovations with commercial potential to seize this opportunity and apply. Each selected project will receive funding in the range of 1 to 4 million SEK, allowing for a project period of up to two years, says Elin Almstedt, WALP Life Science Lead, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Contact
Anna Frejd, communications manager, SciLifeLab
[email protected]
0705-39 00 79
Find out more about the grant
Register here for an information seminar on June 7.
More about KAW's Proof of Concept grants