The Dutch biotech sector has received a significant boost with €17.6 million in funding from the National Growth Fund. This amount has been allocated to 54 promising projects through the Biotech Booster program, designed to accelerate the translation of biotech knowledge into tangible applications. The selection, made from over 150 submissions, marks the conclusion of the program's first funding round.
The funded projects cover a wide range of application areas, from healthcare and nutrition to the environment and sustainable energy. One example is research by microbiologist Brigit van Brenk (Utrecht University), who is using waste from mushroom cultivation to purify water of harmful substances such as PFAS. This approach not only transforms mushroom waste into a valuable resource but also offers an innovative solution to water pollution.
Another notable project is ChemoPredict, developed by the Leiden-based biotech company VitroScan. This technology predicts the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer. By testing tumor tissue, doctors can make targeted decisions, avoid unnecessary treatments, and improve the quality of life for patients.
The Netherlands is internationally recognized as a leader in biotech publications and patents, but commercial breakthroughs often lag behind. The Biotech Booster program addresses this gap by bringing together entrepreneurs and researchers at an early stage. According to Nettie Buitelaar, CEO of Biotech Booster, it is crucial that academic knowledge finds its way into society more quickly: “The generated research results must make an impact beyond the academic world.”
This investment lays a solid foundation for both societal and economic benefits. The biotech sector in the Netherlands, currently valued at €30 billion annually, has the potential to triple in size within five years.
Source: Biotech Booster