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

**Funder:** KWF
**Budget:** ~€150,000 per project (incl. VAT)
**Duration:** 6–24 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage: full-proposal only, assessed by dedicated BOOST committee
**TRL:** 3+
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/boost
**Last verified:** 24 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers with an ongoing or recently finished KWF project (start ≥6 months ago, end ≤1.5 years before 1 July 2026). Funds clinically relevant preclinical model development, technology access, and study design improvements to enhance translational value of drug research. Dutch knowledge institutions; commercial partner involvement requires a letter of intent. TRL ≥3 required.

## Summary

BOOST is a KWF-funded initiative that provides up to €150,000 to support researchers with ongoing or recently started KWF drug-research projects in accessing clinically relevant preclinical models, non-animal methods (NAMs), in vivo systems, and specialist expertise. The call targets researchers at Dutch institutions working in Credentialing, Creation of Modality, or Preclinical phases who need technical support to strengthen the translational value of their research. Projects run 6-24 months and are assessed in a single stage by a dedicated BOOST committee.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with an active KWF drug-research project (started ≥6 months ago, ending ≤1.5 years before 1 July 2026)
- Research teams based at Dutch academic, clinical, or hospital institutions
- Projects in Credentialing, Creation of Modality, or Preclinical phases (TRL ≥3)
- Teams needing access to clinically relevant preclinical models, NAMs, or in vivo expertise to de-risk translational steps

## Key dates

- Submission via KWF GMS before the call's closing date; institutes not yet registered must submit registration request at least 6 weeks prior
- Single-stage assessment by dedicated BOOST committee
- Project duration 6-24 months

## Tips for applicants

- Clearly link your BOOST request to de-risking translational steps in your parent KWF project; the committee evaluates fit, not novelty.
- Budget up to €150,000 for model access, NAM implementation, or in vivo system setup plus associated specialist support; avoid researcher salary lines.
- Unregistered institutions must register with KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before the closing date, confirm deadlines with KWF to avoid disqualification.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is BOOST and who is it for?

BOOST supports researchers with ongoing or recently started KWF drug-research projects to access clinically relevant preclinical models, non-animal methods, and specialist expertise. You must be based at a Dutch institution with an eligible KWF project in Credentialing, Creation of Modality, or Preclinical phases.

### How much can I request for a BOOST project?

You can request up to €150,000 (inclusive of VAT) per project for a 6-24 month period.

### What types of research does BOOST fund?

BOOST funds access to preclinical models (including non-animal methods), in vivo systems, and related specialist expertise to improve the translational value of drug-research projects in preclinical development stages.

### Do I need a partner institution or consortium for BOOST?

No, BOOST does not require a consortium; applications are individual project proposals assessed in a single stage.

### What is the timeline for BOOST project timelines?

BOOST projects run between 6 and 24 months, allowing flexibility for short-term model access or longer-term integration of new preclinical systems.

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