Three projects launched with Booster grant

In recent months, three teams of researchers started a Biotech Booster project at the Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus. The three teams are working on very early discoveries in biotechnology: tear fluids to demonstrate Huntington's disease, more specific and effective cancer treatments and antibodies that prevent cancer cells from "talking" to healthy cells.

With the help of a team of business developers as well as a grant from the National Growth Fund, Biotech Booster is helping researchers bring their innovations to market faster as products so they can make a real impact.

Biotech Booster

With funding, engaged business developers, mentoring and networking opportunities, Biotech Booster guides scientists so that the opportunity for real impact grows. Jessie van Buggenum, manager at Biotech Booster, says, "Researchers can apply for a Biotech Booster project for innovative discoveries, taking the first steps toward market and impact. We help project teams valorize their research and make the switch from academic to business thinking.'

Nettie Buitelaar, CEO Biotech Booster: 'Biotech Booster is focused on all those good ideas that should not be lost to humanity.'

'Biotech Booster is focused on all those good ideas that should not be lost to humanity,' adds Nettie Buitelaar, CEO Biotech Booster. 'Even very fledgling ideas are welcome. Sometimes there is no more than a molecule. We have 39 good business developers who can boost such a discovery and a broad network of experienced biotech entrepreneurs who are happy to share their knowledge. So take advantage of that. This really is an opportunity to take an idea a big step further, making it interesting for investors!'

Three Maastricht proof-of-principle projects

In the first round of Biotech Booster, researchers Marlies Gijs/Mayke Oosterloo, Marc Vooijs and Kasper Rouschop each received €200,000 to further develop their idea into a business plan. Their projects Huntington Biomarker Detection in Tears, EV Antibodies for the Treatment of Cancer and Fenix Therapeutics were launched in January and February.