European Research Council Awards 100 New Proof of Concept Grants
Twente, Friday, 12 July 2024.
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded 100 new Proof of Concept grants worth €150,000 each in the first round of the 2024 competition. This round includes the 2000th Proof of Concept project since the program’s inception in 2011, highlighting the ERC’s commitment to bridging groundbreaking research and innovation.
Significance of the Proof of Concept Grants
The Proof of Concept (PoC) grants are designed to explore the commercial and societal potential of research funded by the ERC[1]. These grants are an essential step for researchers looking to transition their innovative ideas from the lab to the marketplace. By providing financial support, the ERC aims to help researchers bridge the gap between pioneering research and practical applications.
University of Twente’s Achievement
Among the recipients, three researchers from the University of Twente stand out: Prof. Mariëlle Stoelinga, Prof. David Fernandez Rivas, and Prof. Jeroen Leijten. Each has been awarded €150,000 to commercialize their respective projects. This brings the university’s total number of PoC grants to thirty, positioning it among the top entrepreneurial universities in Europe[1].
Innovative Projects
Prof. David Fernandez Rivas is focusing on developing a needle-free injection technology, potentially reducing the risk of infections and pain associated with traditional injections. This project is part of his broader initiative to minimize animal testing and achieve cost savings in drug testing. Prof. Mariëlle Stoelinga’s project, RUBICON, aims to enhance risk assessment and decision-making in safety and security. Meanwhile, Prof. Jeroen Leijten is working on the NutriBone project, which focuses on creating self-feeding, living tissues to overcome the challenge of sustaining large tissues outside the body[1].
Impact on Innovation
The Proof of Concept grants are pivotal in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within academic institutions. The University of Twente’s success in securing these grants underscores its commitment to translating research into tangible societal benefits. By supporting projects that range from medical technologies to safety and security tools, the ERC is playing a crucial role in advancing European innovation[1].
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the ERC continues to support groundbreaking research through its work programmes. The recently adopted ERC Work Programme 2025 outlines new funding opportunities and sets a budget of over €2.7 billion for research grants in the coming year. This includes contributions from countries associated with Horizon Europe, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to fostering scientific excellence and innovation[2].