Dutch Researchers Win Grants to Commercialize Brain-Food Innovation and Roadside Drug Tests
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Four VU Amsterdam scientists secured NWO Take-off grants to transform laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready products. The innovations include a fermented food bar designed to improve mental health through gut-brain science and a world-first portable breathalyzer detecting nitrous oxide impairment in drivers.
Take-off Program Bridges Academic Research and Commercial Markets
The NWO Take-off grants, announced in the 2025 autumn round, provide crucial funding for researchers to explore the feasibility and commercial potential of their scientific discoveries [1]. This funding mechanism represents the Dutch Research Council’s strategic approach to transforming academic breakthroughs into viable business ventures, supporting researchers in navigating the complex transition from laboratory to marketplace [1]. The program operates in two phases, with four VU Amsterdam projects securing grants across both Take-off 1 and Take-off 2 categories, demonstrating the university’s strong research commercialization pipeline [1].
Mental Health Innovation Through Gut-Brain Science
Fleur van Eeden’s “The Happy Bar” represents a cutting-edge approach to mental health support through nutritional intervention [1][2]. The innovative fermented functional food product targets mood and behavior regulation via the gut-brain axis, utilizing a scientifically selected probiotic strain [1][2]. This development could potentially address widespread mental health challenges including stress, anxiety, and low mood by leveraging the emerging understanding of how gut microbiota influences brain function [1][2]. The commercial potential for such targeted nutritional interventions reflects growing consumer demand for science-based wellness products that offer alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical approaches [GPT].
World-First Traffic Safety Breakthrough
Pepijn van Rutten’s NitrousTest addresses a critical public safety challenge, as nitrous oxide-related traffic accidents claim approximately 20 lives annually in the Netherlands alone [1][2]. The portable breathalyzer, developed and patented by VU spin-off company Respira, represents a worldwide first for effective roadside screening of nitrous oxide impairment [1][2]. This innovation fills a significant gap in traffic safety enforcement, as law enforcement previously lacked reliable tools to detect nitrous oxide intoxication during routine traffic stops [1][2]. The technology’s commercial launch could establish new safety protocols across European markets where nitrous oxide use has become a growing concern [GPT].
Advanced Microscopy and Brain Education Technologies
The remaining two Take-off 1 grant recipients showcase the breadth of VU Amsterdam’s innovation ecosystem [1][2]. Imran Avci’s HELIOS ultra-sensitive microscopy system, utilizing Stimulated Brillouin Microscopy (SBM), requires significantly less light than existing systems while enabling measurements in materials that typically absorb too much light [1][2]. This advancement could revolutionize cellular and tissue research capabilities across multiple scientific disciplines [1][2]. Meanwhile, Nienke van Atteveldt’s “Explore Your Brain” project employs portable EEG headsets to give secondary school students real-time visualization of their brain activity, potentially transforming neuroscience education through hands-on learning experiences [1][2].
Funding Context Amid Budget Constraints
These grant awards come at a challenging time for Dutch research funding, as the NWO budget faces a substantial reduction from €1.6 billion in 2025 to €1.2 billion by 2031, representing a -25 percent decrease [4]. Despite these budgetary pressures, the Take-off program continues to prioritize commercialization initiatives that can generate economic returns and societal impact [4]. The strategic focus on translating research into market-ready innovations becomes increasingly important as funding agencies seek to maximize the practical application of scientific investments [4]. These VU Amsterdam projects exemplify how academic institutions are adapting to financial constraints by emphasizing research with clear commercial potential and measurable societal benefits [GPT].