Haplotagging was initiated by Prof. Frank Chan (Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, UG) and Prof. Gerton Lunter (Faculty of Medical Sciences, UMCG). Their technology tackles a persistent challenge in genetics: the high cost of genotyping. Current methods are expensive to develop and to run, limiting their use in key areas such as plant and animal breeding.
Haplotagging’s one-platform-fits-all solution eliminates costly development steps and reduces running costs by at least a factor of five, unlocking new opportunities in seed and animal improvement. Historically seed and animal improvement has had a huge influence on societal food security (often led by Dutch enterprises), but more efficient solutions are urgently needed to develop varieties that are resilient to climate change, disease, and are adapted to local conditions. This makes efficient and affordable genotyping solutions like Haplotagging more vital than ever.
The Biotech Booster funding will allow Haplotagging to conduct a feasibility study into both the technical and commercial potential of its platform. The project team will also receive expert mentoring and access to a broad network of entrepreneurs and investors to strengthen their business development strategy, and explore setting up a start-up company.
Till November 30, researchers can apply for new Biotech Booster funding up to €200,000 per project. The UMCG Innovation Lecture on November 4 will focus on Biotech Booster. The session begins with an introduction to the Biotech Booster programme and features a short presentation by awarded project BiloMedics, followed by a Q&A.
Monday, November 4 – 16:00–17:00 PM, Ronde Zaal UMCG, during the UMCG Innovation Lecture (including drinks), together with Prof. dr. Folkert Kuipers, BiloMedics.
Register: UMCG Innovation Center Lecture - Biotech Booster 4 November 2025
