With these four new projects, the number of Biotech Booster projects originating from Groningen has reached ten. Several additional projects have been submitted and are currently awaiting approval.
Researchers: Prof. dr. Hélder Santos, PhD Luigia Serpico, PhD Maria Carmona Lobita
Organisation: UMCG
Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making the timely detection of key biomarkers critical to improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
CardioBoost MI is developing an innovative wearable platform for the continuous monitoring of cardiovascular health indicators. By providing rapid and user-friendly measurements, the technology aims to support proactive management of people at risk and enable timely clinical decision-making.
The approach seeks to bridge the gap between routine clinical visits and everyday health monitoring, potentially enabling earlier intervention, improving patient care and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Researchers: MSc Ruben de Jong, Prof. dr. Peter van der Meer, Prof. dr. Adriaan Voors
Organisation: UMCG
CURE HF 2 aims to develop a first-in-class small-molecule therapy targeting a novel biological mechanism involved in impaired energy metabolism in cardiometabolic disease.
The therapeutic approach is designed to improve glucose utilisation and restore metabolic function in patients with heart failure, diabetes and insulin resistance. By targeting an underlying metabolic mechanism rather than solely addressing downstream symptoms, the project could help improve cardiac function and disease outcomes.
The technology is being further developed towards clinical translation and commercialisation through Thaliora Therapeutics BV, a UMCG spin-out, focused on developing novel therapies for cardiometabolic disease.
Researcher: PhD Davide Carraretto
Organisation: University of Groningen
Enzura is developing a technology that enables molecules to be linked to proteins with a high degree of precision. This process, known as bioconjugation, can create molecules with new and valuable properties, such as greater stability, improved targeting or the ability to deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues.
At the heart of the technology is an enzyme that acts like a molecular clip, attaching a drug, DNA molecule or other payload to a protein at a specific position. The technology has potential applications across biotechnology and in areas such as targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers: Dr. Anneke Muller Kobold, Prof. dr. Harry van Goor, Prof. dr. Matijs van Meurs
Organisation: UMCG
From biomarker research to bedside measurement. ThiolSense is developing a new point-of-care technology to monitor redox status in patients with sepsis in intensive care units.
The project aims to translate an analytical concept into an integrated prototype that enables rapid and repeated measurements close to the patient. ThiolSense brings together expertise in clinical chemistry, pathology, intensive care medicine, analytical technology, device development and innovation.
The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between promising biomarker research and a practical technology that can be used directly at the point of care.
The four projects have been awarded €200,000 in funding through phase 1 of the Biotech Booster programme. In addition to financial support, the programme offers access to experienced entrepreneurs who help project teams develop their business plans and prepare their innovations for the next stage of development.
Participants are also introduced to a relevant network of investors, industry partners and other stakeholders, helping them move from promising research towards a viable and investable proposition.
The 2027 funding round has just opened. Level 1 applications can apply for funding of up to €200,000. Are you working on a promising biotechnology project and considering its path towards commercialisation? Get in touch with one of our Business Developers now to explore the opportunities for your project.
Visit the Biotech Booster webpage for more information, an overview of previously awarded projects, and contact details for Business Developers.
