# Fall Seed Grant 2026

**Funder:** Fondazione Telethon
**Consortium:** Required — joint call with patient associations
**Frequency:** Biannual
**Eligible countries:** IT
**Official call:** https://www.telethon.it/cosa-facciamo/ricerca/bandi-di-ricerca/iniziativa-fall-seed-grant-2026-in-collaborazione-con-le-associazioni-di-pazienti-apertura-bando/
**Last updated:** 25 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Seed grant initiative run in collaboration with patient associations, open to researchers working on genetic diseases in Italy; call opened 14 October 2026.

## Summary

The Fall Seed Grant 2026 from Fondazione Telethon funds early-stage research projects on genetic diseases, run jointly with patient associations. It is open to researchers based in Italy, and requires a consortium involving a patient association partner. The call runs on a biannual schedule, giving applicants two opportunities per year to apply.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Italian research institutions
- Teams studying genetic diseases
- Applicants able to form a consortium with a patient association partner
- Projects suited to seed-stage, early exploratory funding

## Key dates

- Call runs biannually, offering two application windows per year

## Tips for applicants

- Secure a committed patient association partner early, the consortium requirement is gating, not optional.
- Frame the project around a specific genetic disease with clear patient relevance, since the call is co-run with patient groups.
- Check both biannual windows if you miss one deadline, as the call recurs within the same year.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the Fondazione Telethon Fall Seed Grant 2026?

Researchers based in Italy working on genetic diseases, who can form a consortium including a patient association.

### Is a patient association partner required for this grant?

Yes, the call requires a consortium that includes a patient association as part of the joint call structure.

### How often does Fondazione Telethon run this Seed Grant call?

The call runs biannually, meaning it opens twice a year.

### What research topics does the Fall Seed Grant fund?

It funds seed-stage research projects focused on genetic diseases.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fondazione-telethon-fall-seed-grant-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=fondazione-telethon-fall-seed-grant-2026).