Startups may apply if they:

• Are in an early stage (≤ 5 years old, small team, limited or no VC investment)
• Have a demonstrable connection to LUMC or Leiden University's Faculty of Science (FWN), for example through (former) employment, ownership or licensing of intellectual property, or a formal collaboration with one of their research teams
• Operate in relevant fields such as life sciences, health, biotechnology, environment & health, digitalisation or medical technology
• Have a clear plan for the use of the grant (e.g. prototype, pilot, validation)

Applications must be submitted by a company representative (e.g. CEO or co-founder) and consist of:

• Executive summary
• Company and team description
• Innovation description
• Impact (societal and economic)
• Project plan and budget
• Timeline (6–12 months)
• Motivation

To the application form

Applications are assessed equally on:

• Impact potential
• Stage & financial need
• Innovativeness
• Feasibility (6–12 months)

The selection process consists of the following steps:

1. Eligibility check
2. Pre-selection (approx. 5–8 startups)
3. Jury evaluation
4. Final decision and grant allocation

A representative from dsm-firmenich chairs the jury. The jury includes Entrepreneur and Business Development specialists from the local BioScience Park ecosystem and the Delft BioTech Campus.

The winner will be expected to receive the award in person during the Faculty Opening of the Academic Year on Tuesday 1 September 2026 and give a short presentation. A reception (borrel) for students and staff of the Faculty will follow.