Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab Announce 2024 Proof of Concept Grant Opportunity in Life Science

Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab Announce 2024 Proof of Concept Grant Opportunity in Life Science

(IN BRIEF) Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, in collaboration with SciLifeLab, have introduced the 2024 Proof of Concept Grant in Life Science, aiming to bridge the funding gap between academic research and innovation. This grant offers researchers the chance to advance their early-stage discoveries towards validated methods, products, or processes in life science and related fields. With a focus on innovations such as therapeutics, medical technology, diagnostics, and sustainability, the grant seeks to support projects with the potential to make a significant impact. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a Swedish university and have received grants from specific Wallenberg Foundations or be associated with SciLifeLab initiatives. The selected projects will receive funding ranging from 1 to 4 million SEK, along with coaching through the Wallenberg Launchpad program. Applications are open from February 12 to March 22, 2024, offering researchers the opportunity to accelerate the development of their projects and contribute to advancements in life science.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 14-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — With the aim to bridge the funding gap between academic research and innovation in life science, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab present the 2024 opportunity to apply for Proof of Concept Grant in Life Science. The grant gives researchers an opportunity to develop their early-stage discoveries towards validated methods, products or processes.

“The life science proof of concept call is uniquely positioned to enable you as a scientist to explore the potential of your research findings. This is not an ordinary research grant, but specifically aimed to fund activities that validate your findings and accelerate the development of your project” says Lilian Wikström, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

The scope of the call is, in a broad sense, innovations in life science, including but not limited to therapeutics, medical technology, diagnostics, research tools, e-health, and industrial biotechnology. It also welcomes innovations in environmental science, agriculture, bioenergy, and sustainability. To be eligible, the applicant must be employed at a Swedish university and have or have had grants from the Wallenberg Foundations, or are part of SciLifeLab, Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, or the SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science, DDLS.

The scope of the grant is to fund a specific goal-oriented project to develop an academic discovery towards an innovation and a product.

“We are truly grateful for the continued support from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, whose proof of concept grant plays a pivotal role in advancing life science initiatives in Sweden. I believe that this program will bridge the gap between academic research and industrial products and services. We also hope that the SciLifeLab’s research infrastructure and data capabilities can help here”, says Olli Kallioniemi, Director SciLifeLab.

The role of SciLifeLab is to set up a panel of experts to evaluate the scientific base and potential of these grants, while Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation will coach the researchers through the innovation vehicle Wallenberg Launchpad (WALP) and will make final decisions on the individual grants.

Selected projects will receive funding in the range of 1 to 4 million SEK, allowing for a project period of up to two years. In addition, successful applicants will be coached through the WALP program. The application period opens February 12 and closes March 22, 2024.

Media Contact:

Anna Frejd
communications manager, SciLifeLab
anna.frejd@scilifelab.se
+46 705-39 00 79

SOURCE: Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation