Proof of Concept funding for life science innovations: 2025 call open
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab are pleased to announce the 2025 opportunity to apply for Proof of Concept Grants in Life Science. This annual funding program aims to bridge the critical gap between academic research and commercialization, empowering researchers to validate and accelerate their discoveries. Initiated in 2023, this will be the third call which so far has supported 20 proof of concept projects throughout Sweden.
“The Proof of Concept call is a powerful tool for scientists to realize the potential of their research. This grant goes beyond standard funding for research by directly supporting activities aimed at validating findings and advancing projects towards real-world applications,” says Lilian Wikström, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
The call invites proposals across a wide spectrum of life science innovation, including therapeutics, diagnostics, medical technology, research and computational tools, e-health, and industrial biotechnology. Additionally, the scope includes breakthroughs in environmental science, bioenergy, agriculture, and sustainability. This broad focus underscores the program’s commitment to fostering innovations that address pressing societal challenges.
Eligible applicants must be employed at a Swedish university and either hold or have previously held grants from the Wallenberg Foundations. Researchers affiliated with SciLifeLab, Wallenberg Centers for Molecular Medicine, or the SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) are also invited to apply.
Anna Rising and Benjamin Schmuck, from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Karolinska Institutet, received funding in last year’s call to bring their innovation on how to produce artificial spider silk closer to commercialization.
“The grant will enable us to develop spinning methods for producing artificial spider silk yarns. To achieve this, the fibers must form rapidly at high speeds, and the process must support simultaneous spinning of multiple fibers (multifilaments). This advancement will ultimately pave the way for creating textiles from artificial spider silk fibers.”, comments Anna Rising and Benjamin Schmuck.
The grants aim to fund specific, goal-driven projects that pave the way for academic discoveries to evolve into products, services, or processes. Funding amounts range from 1 to 4 million SEK, with a project duration of up to two years. In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive mentorship through the Wallenberg Launchpad (WALP) program, a dedicated resource to guide innovation towards market readiness.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The Proof of Concept program is instrumental in translating academic breakthroughs into practical solutions. With SciLifeLab’s cutting-edge infrastructure and data-driven capabilities, the aim is to help researchers bridge the gap from research data and knowledge to market,” says Olli Kallioniemi, Chair of the Program’s Evaluation Committee.
SciLifeLab will assemble a panel of scientific experts to evaluate the technical and innovative merits of submitted proposals. Meanwhile, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation will oversee final funding decisions and provide coaching through WALP. This collaborative approach ensures a robust support system for researchers as they advance their projects.
The application period for the 2025 call opens on January 13 and closes on March 21.
Find out more about the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation & SciLifeLab Proof of Concept Grant
Register here for an online information seminar on January 31 at 13:00- 14:00 on Zoom
About the call >>
Approved Proof of Concept grants in 2024 >>
Apply here >>
