Ten life science innovation projects receive funding from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and SciLifeLab’s Proof-of-Concept program
“The program has become a powerful tool for supporting the path from academic research to societal impact. The projects funded this year represent some of the most promising translational opportunities emerging from Swedish life science research, with the potential to address important needs in health, sustainability, and biotechnology,” says Sara Mazur, Executive Director of Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
An expert panel appointed by SciLifeLab and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation evaluates and prioritizes the applications. Decisions on grants are made by the board of Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
“The support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is invaluable in helping Sweden translate outstanding academic discoveries into innovations that can benefit society. Without targeted support, excellent science and transformative ideas risk being lost in the gap between discovery and real-world implementation. The Proof-of-Concept program helps bridge this gap by providing researchers with the funding, guidance, and expertise needed to validate, mature, and de-risk their innovations,” says Olli Kallioniemi, Chair of the Expert Panel.
Between one and four million Swedish kronor
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation announce Proof-of-Concept grants in three areas: life science, materials science, and AI, quantum technology, or ICT.
Since the launch of the Proof-of-Concept program started in 2017, a total of 158 projects have been granted funding of between one and four million Swedish kronor each over a project period of up to two years. In addition to funding, project managers will receive support from the Wallenberg Launch Pad (WALP) team to develop their innovations towards commercial maturity.
Next year’s call will open on January 7, 2027.
Researchers who have previously been awarded grants from the Wallenberg Foundations, as well as those who are part of SciLifeLab, the Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, or the SciLifeLab & Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), are eligible to apply.
Proof-of-Concept grants awarded in the 2026 call
- Marika Nestor, Uppsala University
NK1R-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for precision imaging and radiotherapy - Gonçalo Castelo-Branco, Karolinska Institutet
Transposome-based Ligase (TbL) for clinical epigenomics - Johan Bylund, Gothenburg University
iCURE – Small Molecule FPR1 Agonists: Boosting the Innate Immune System to Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections - Sjoerd Wanrooij, Umeå University
A Precision DNA-Based Tool to Switch Off Epstein–Barr Virus Genes in Brain Lymphoma - Tara Stanne, Gothenburg University
New, rapid blood test for improved stroke diagnostics: Toward a ‘Troponin of the Brain’ - My Hedhammar, KTH
HA-FN-silk: A viable and GMP-compliant bioink using ECM-mimicking microfibers in a degradable hyaluronan hydrogel - Joan Camunas-Soler, Gothenburg University
A noninvasive molecular platform for early detection of immune-mediated lung disease - Janne Lehtiö, Karolinska Institutet
NEO-SCOPE: NEOantigen discovery at full genomic SCOPE for precision immunotherapy - Ulrika Wilhelmsson, Gothenburg University
Novel therapeutic strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - Alexandra Teleki, Uppsala University
IntesTiny: A Microfluidic Platform for Predictive Screening of Oral Nanomedicines
Contact
Sara Mazur, Executive Director, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
+46 8-545 017 80
kaw@kaw.se
Anna Frejd, Communications Manager, SciLifeLab
anna.frejd@scilifelab.se
+46 705-39 00 79
