Post by Radboudumc Partners

In May 2026, a new initiative will launch to accelerate product development for infectious diseases: the InFECT-TT Programme, together with the associated Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund. This initiative is implemented under the umbrella of InFECT-NL and contributes to the pandemic preparedness of the Netherlands. InFECT-TT supports researchers in further developing promising academic ideas towards a startup or clinical application. Five university medical centres collaborate in this programme: Amsterdam UMC, Leiden University Medical Center, UMC Utrecht, Radboudumc , and UMCG. Together, they combine expertise in infectious diseases, valorisation, and venture building. The programme works closely with the Samenwerking Infectieziekten, an initiative of the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Medische Microbiologie (NVMM) (Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology), NVII (Dutch Society of Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases) and the SGF (Association of Collaborating Health Foundations). Researchers can apply for vouchers for validation, proof of concept, market exploration, and business development. Up to €57,000 is available per innovation, along with guidance from experienced business developers. The Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund (IDIF) invests in early-stage startups with investments of up to €1.5 million. An independent fund manager (LEH) is responsible for this. The fund supports preclinical and early clinical development and helps companies apply for potential follow-on funding. The focus is on therapies, vaccines, and platform technologies for infectious diseases. Diagnostics fall outside the scope of these initiatives. The InFECT-TT programme starts in May 2026 with the establishment of procedures and application conditions for vouchers. For more information, visit FAST.nl.