Three promising Biotech Booster projects from Groningen awarded financing

Three promising Biotech Booster projects from Groningen have been awarded financing. These are ModAlgae B.V., Osteoglycin, and ProliSpot. These innovative projects will each receive a grant of €200,000 from the National Growth Fund programme, and they will have two years to realize their plans. More projects have been submitted and are awaiting approval.

Biotech Booster is a public-private partnership that focuses on accelerating the development and marketing of (early-phase) biotechnological discoveries. The UG, UMCG, and Hanze University of Applied Sciences represent Groningen in the programme.

About the awarded projects

ModAlgae B.V. and the University of Groningen

Prof. Van der Maarel, University of Groningen / ENTEG Institute

Mariska van der Hoek (CEO)

ModAlgae is committed to producing sustainable ingredients from microalgae. With a first focus on the cosmetics industry and microalgae glycogen, the team aims to realize a sustainable alternative to regular cosmetic ingredients. ModAlgae and the University of Groningen together wants to use the Biotech Booster grant to focus on further developing and optimizing their product, and fine-tuning their business plan.

Osteoglycin

Prof. R. Gosens
Prof. H.W. Frijlink
Dr. A.P. Nagelkerke
L. van der Koog, MSc
University of Groningen / Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common and deadly lung disease (third leading cause of death worldwide) caused primarily by tobacco smoke and air pollutants. During their research, the team discovered a protein that promotes regeneration of alveolar epithelial cells and lung tissue. In this project, the team sets out to develop the protein into a biopharmaceutical for the treatment of COPD.

ProliSpot

Prof. Geert van den Bogaart & Dr. Frans Bianchi /University of Groningen / Molecular Immunology Department

Prolispot is an innovative technology that enables the sensitive detection of dividing cells in blood and other complex samples. This has many potential applications. The first goal of this project is to develop this technology into a kit that can be sold for research use. The second goal of this project is to apply this technology to a CAR-T drug potency assay. These assays are essential to ensure that patients receive a safe and effective immunotherapy.

Funding, mentoring, and access to network

The projects are awarded a grant from phase one of the project. In addition, they receive help from experienced entrepreneurs in developing their business plan and are introduced to a network of investors that is relevant for their products.

More information

Researchers who are interested in the opportunities Biotech Booster can provide for their project are invited to contact us:

Red biotech: Jasper Dijkstra /  jasper.dijkstra@rug.nl

White and green biotech: Ronja Wabeke /  r.m.wabeke@rug.nl