# BOOST (Bridging Obstacles for Optimal model use via Shared Technical expertise)

**Funder:** KWF
**Budget:** ~€150,000 per project
**Deadline:** 1 July 2026 (Deadline inferred from eligibility requirement referencing 1 July 2026; exact closing date not stated on page. Institutes not yet registered must submit registration request at least 6 weeks prior to closing date.)
**Duration:** 6-24 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage: full-proposal only
**TRL:** 3+
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/boost
**Last verified:** 17 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers at Dutch institutions with an ongoing or recently finished KWF drug research project (start ≥6 months ago, end ≤1.5 years before 1 July 2026). Funds access to clinically relevant preclinical models, technologies and expertise (NAMs, PDOs, GEMMs, orthotopic models, CRO collaborations) to improve translational value. TRL ≥3 required; activities must relate to drug development/optimisation, not fundamental research alone.

## Summary

BOOST funds Dutch researchers up to €150,000 to access advanced preclinical models and expertise, including patient-derived organoids, transgenic mice, orthotopic models, and CRO partnerships, to improve the translational value of their ongoing or recently completed KWF drug research projects. The call targets researchers at Dutch institutions who can demonstrate how bioengineered or clinically relevant models will strengthen their candidate compounds' path to clinical trials. Awards cover 6 to 24 months; applicants must have launched their original KWF drug project at least six months before the deadline.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Dutch academic or hospital institutions with an active or recently completed KWF drug research project
- Drug development and optimisation projects at TRL 3 or higher
- Teams seeking access to patient-derived organoids, transgenic mouse models, orthotopic models, or specialised CRO services
- Projects where advanced preclinical models will directly strengthen translational value and clinical pathway

## Key dates

- Deadline 1 July 2026 (single-stage application; institutes not yet registered must submit registration ≥6 weeks before)
- Project duration 6 to 24 months

## Tips for applicants

- Link explicitly to your original KWF drug project: state its start date, funder, and current status to establish eligibility (≥6 months old, ended ≤1.5 years before 1 July 2026).
- Explain which preclinical model or CRO access bottleneck blocks your current work, and how the new capability removes it, reviewers reward clarity over breadth.
- If your institution is not yet KWF-registered, file the registration request immediately; the 6-week rule is strict.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does BOOST provide?

Approximately €150,000 per project for 6 to 24 months of work.

### Can I apply for BOOST if my KWF drug project has already finished?

Yes, provided the project ended no more than 1.5 years before 1 July 2026 and started at least 6 months before the deadline.

### What does BOOST fund?

Access to clinically relevant preclinical models (patient-derived organoids, transgenic mice, orthotopic models), technologies, and CRO expertise to strengthen the translational value of drug development work.

### Who is eligible for BOOST?

Researchers at Dutch institutions with an ongoing or recently finished KWF drug research project at TRL 3 or higher.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-boost-bridging-obstacles-for-optimal-model-use-via-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.