KWF Research & Implementation

The KWF programme 2025 consists of multiple calls covering exploration research and development & implementation in the field of cancer. On this page we provide an overview of the current calls from KWF. For further information, contact our funding experts.

Current calls from KWF:

1. Advancements of biomarkers to daily practice 2025
2. Proof of Concept 2025

KWF Call for advancement of biomarkers to daily practice 2025

Deadline:

Pre-proposal: 29 April 2025

Full proposal 9 September 2025

Scope: The call aims to bridge the gap between biomarker research and clinical implementation. It specifically targets biomarkers that are already known, but need further validation and development for practical use in daily clinical settings. The focus of this call is to bring together the expertise in the field of biomarker research, the clinical care of end users and the needs of patients.

Biomarkers definition KWF: (Bio)characteristics that are objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator for cancer risk, the presence of a specific cancer or recurrent cancer, the stage or aggressiveness of a specific cancer, and how well the patient responds to therapeutic intervention(s).

Eligible biomarkers:

• Diagnostic
• Prognostic
• Predictive
• Monitoring

Read more on the website of KWF 

KWF Proof of Concept 2025 (PoC)

Deadline: Multiple rounds in 2025

Full proposal: 27 May 2025

Full proposal: 23 September 2025 (call opens in June 2025)

Scope: The aim of the Proof of Concept (PoC) is to provide an impulse to impactful findings to reach the patient sooner. The focus is the route to clinical application.

In the PoC programme, researchers are asked to work together with the technology transfer office (TTO) of their research institute to create a roadmap outlining the steps needed for translating and implementing the innovation into practice.

Eligible are KWF projects with promising results, where at least an initial validation has already taken place. There must be an idea of concrete application, for which the roadmap is not clear yet.

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Exploring how development steps should be carried out
• Conducting limited development steps
• Limited technical validation of the innovation
• De-risking the innovation or development steps
• Activities to strengthen the IP position or a patent application regarding the innovation
• Business case
• Identifying potential commercial partners
• (External) expertise that can support the path to practice
• Cost-effectiveness analysis (HTA)
• Communication materials (e.g., preparing a pitch deck) or training* for collaboration with a commercial partner
• Exploring and preparing steps to ensure an innovation complies with European regulations for medical devices (MDR) and in-vitro diagnostics (IVDR) and/or obtaining CE marking.
• ETC

Read more on the website of KWF

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