NWO AES funds six Demonstrator projects to accelerate scientific breakthroughs into market-ready technologies

NWO AES funds six Demonstrator projects to accelerate scientific breakthroughs into market-ready technologies

(IN BRIEF) NWO Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (AES) has awarded funding to six projects under its 2025 Demonstrator programme, with a combined total of EUR 1 million. The funding enables researchers to transform their scientific breakthroughs into minimal viable products that serve as proof-of-concept models for investors and industry. The selected initiatives cover a wide range of disciplines, including advanced surgical tools, sustainable vaccine production using microalgae, AI-assisted medical imaging, rapid resistance gene identification for agriculture, new therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer, and innovative treatments for chronic subdural hematoma. By bridging the gap between academic research and market introduction, these projects highlight how Demonstrator funding provides a crucial step in turning scientific discoveries into practical innovations with strong societal and commercial impact.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 8-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Dutch Research Council (NWO) Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (AES) has announced that six Demonstrator projects will receive funding, providing researchers with the opportunity to advance their scientific results into practical innovations with strong commercial appeal. A total of EUR 1 million has been allocated across the projects, enabling the development of early-stage prototypes and proof-of-concept models that can attract further investment and pave the way for market adoption.

Demonstrator funding supports researchers in transforming their academic findings into tangible products or services that reach at least the level of a minimal viable product (MVP). These prototypes are essential for persuading third parties, including investors and industry, of the potential impact of the technology before they commit financial resources. Despite the clear demand for demonstrator models, many research teams lack the capital to bring such innovations to life, making this program an essential bridge from lab to market.

In the 2025 round, six projects were selected for funding, reflecting a diverse range of fields from healthcare and biotechnology to agriculture and AI-driven diagnostics. Each project aims to validate the commercial potential of groundbreaking research by creating a working model that demonstrates both technical feasibility and societal relevance. The Demonstrator instrument is part of NWO’s broader valorisation strategy and is open annually, with a maximum of 160,000 euros available per project. The next call is expected to open between late December 2025 and early January 2026.

The selected projects are as follows:

• MATADOR (22639) – Led by prof. dr. S. Misra and prof. dr. J.P. de Vries (UMC Groningen), this project develops magnetically controlled flexible probes for endovascular surgery, offering surgeons unprecedented precision and control in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.
• MAVE (22643) – Headed by dr. S. d’Adamo (Wageningen University & Research), this initiative demonstrates the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and economically viable system for producing subunit vaccines, with validation focused on aquaculture applications.
• MSKAssist (22644) – Led by prof. dr. B. van Ginneken and M.J.C.M. Rutten (Radboud UMC), this AI-powered tool automates the detection of abnormalities in hand and wrist radiographs, supporting radiologists with faster, standardized, and more accurate assessments.
• Resistance Gene Identification for Plant Breeding (22646) – Conducted by dr. ir. M.H.A.J. Joosten (Wageningen University & Research), this project introduces a new rapid method for discovering resistance genes in crops, a major advancement for breeding pathogen-resistant plants.
• TPM1 as a Target for Ovarian Cancer Therapy (22655) – Led by dr. R. Fodde (Erasmus MC), this research explores a novel therapeutic pathway to overcome chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by inhibiting the Tpm1 gene, potentially revolutionizing treatment strategies.
• ELASA (22658) – Directed by H.R. Niknejad (UMC Utrecht), this project develops a laser-assisted, minimally invasive therapy for chronic subdural hematoma, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce recurrence compared to current surgical methods.

Together, these projects showcase the vital role of Demonstrator funding in accelerating the transition of innovative research into technologies with clear market and societal value.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Bendsneijder
Spokesperson
+31 6 47141061
j.bendsneijder@nwo.nl

Freek Hofland
Spokesperson
+31 6 58920086
f.hofland@nwo.nl

SOURCE: NWO