This round closed on 22 September 2026. The details below are from that round.
KWF
Proof of Concept
12:00 noon; further cut-off dates have passed for 2026-PoC-1 and 2026-PoC-2
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Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
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.
Details
| Funder | KWF |
| Budget | Up to €150,000 incl. VAT |
| 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 |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
- KWF writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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