# Proof of Concept **Funder:** KWF **Budget:** Up to €150,000 incl. VAT **Deadline:** 22 September 2026 (12:00 noon; further cut-off dates have passed for 2026-PoC-1 and 2026-PoC-2) **Duration:** 6-18 months **Consortium:** Required - applicant must collaborate with the technology transfer office (TTO) of their research institution; commercial partner letter required if involved **Application:** Single stage **TRL:** 3+ **Frequency:** Recurring (multiple rounds per year) **Eligible countries:** NL **Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/proofofconcept **Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Add-on funding for ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded projects (incl. KWF-PPP, TTW Technology for Oncology, KIC early detection projects) to define pathways toward clinical/commercial implementation. Requires TTO commitment letter; innovation must have reached at least TRL 3; not for fundamental research or CE-marking costs. ## Summary The KWF Proof of Concept grant provides up to €150,000 to accelerate the translation of cancer research from bench to market, supporting refinement of the translational pathway, limited development and validation, and regulatory/implementation preparation. This is an add-on programme for researchers with an ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded project (including KWF-PPP, TTW Technology for Oncology, and KWF-NWO early detection schemes) who wish to bridge their discovery towards clinical or commercial application. A mandatory Technology Transfer Office (TTO) collaboration and commitment letter is required, ensuring institutional buy-in for the innovation pathway. ## Who should apply - Researchers with an ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded cancer research project - Applicants based at Dutch academic, hospital, or research institutions with active TTO support - Innovations at technology readiness level 3 or higher requiring pathway definition and regulatory preparation - Teams ready to commit to technology transfer and commercialisation or clinical implementation planning ## Key dates - Deadline 22 September 2026 at 12:00 noon (call 2026-PoC-3); earlier rounds closed 10 February 2026 and 2 June 2026 - Single-stage application with mandatory TTO commitment letter - Project duration 6 to 18 months ## Tips for applicants - The TTO commitment letter is gating; begin coordination with your institutional technology transfer office at least 4 weeks before submission to avoid delays. - Frame your application around the translational pathway, not the science, show specifically how this €150k bridges your KWF discovery to regulatory/market readiness. - Target TRL ≥ 3 clearly; reviewers screen for sufficient maturity; if your innovation sits at TRL 2, consider a development grant first. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much is the KWF Proof of Concept grant? Up to €150,000 including VAT for a project lasting 6 to 18 months. ### Who is eligible for the KWF Proof of Concept grant? Researchers with an ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded project (including KWF-PPP, TTW Technology for Oncology, and KWF-NWO early detection), based at a Dutch institution with an active TTO partnership. ### How often does KWF Proof of Concept open? Multiple times per year, 2026 runs three rounds with deadlines in February, June, and September. ### What is a mandatory TTO commitment letter? Written confirmation from your institution's Technology Transfer Office that it will support the commercialisation or clinical implementation pathway; without it, the application cannot be submitted. ### Can I apply to the KWF Proof of Concept if my KWF project has ended? Yes, you may apply up to one year after the end date of your original KWF project. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-proof-of-concept-2026-09) — 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).