Call type: Open public call / Innovation Challenge
Organiser: Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University (IFNMU) within the NanoBioTech Nexus project
Total budget: €20,000 (to be allocated among 2–4 selected ideas)
Applications open: 15 August 2025
Deadline for submission: 12 September 2025 (23:59 Kyiv time)
Pitching Event (finalists): 30 October 2025
Results announced & contract signature: 31 October 2025 (provisional)
Project start for selected teams: January 2026
1. Objective & Expected Impact
The NanoBioTech Nexus Open Call for Innovative Ideas 2025 seeks innovative, scalable nanotechnology- and biotechnology-based solutions addressing urgent healthcare needs in the region. The Call aims to support the development of innovative solutions that address key health challenges identified through an in-depth analysis of regional needs and the institutional environment.
2. Scope — Target Challenge Areas
The call is aimed at finding solutions to the following specific problems in clinical, forensic and public health:
- Insufficient personalization of skin disease treatment
Possible solution: Microbiome-based diagnostics, smart bio-nano formulations for targeted drug delivery.
- Slow or traumatic soft tissue healing
Possible solution: Nanostructures for tissue regeneration, biologically guided biomaterials, accelerated rehabilitation.
- Limited access to body identification in the field
Possible solution: Mobile rapid forensic identification systems (DNA, biometrics) without a laboratory.
- Impossible to recover fingerprints after damage or decomposition Possible solution: Non-contact technology for the reconstruction of papillary patterns.
- Unethical handling of bodies after autopsy
Possible solution: Hermetic solutions for hygienic and rapid closure of bodies, with high ethical standards.
- Lack of safe drinking water in remote regions
Possible solution: Nano-filtration systems that remove viruses, bacteria and heavy metals, portable and energy-efficient.
Solutions outside these areas may be considered only if they clearly demonstrate strong relevance to needs and high potential for regional impact.
3. Who can apply
Eligible applicants include:
SMEs, start-ups or individuals with entrepreneurial potential:
- based in Europe or Horizon Europe associated countries,
- with development potential in the field of nanotechnology/biotechnology
- with proposals related to the challenges identified above
Applicants must demonstrate relevant technical capacity in nanotechnology/biotechnology and provide a clear implementation pathway. Each applicant/team may submit one application only.
4. Funding & Support for Selected Projects
Selected projects will receive:
- Direct financial support from the Call budget (the total €20,000 funds will be allocated in proportion to the correspondence with claimed needs, technological readiness, market potential and impact of the solution);
- Access to partner laboratories and scientific equipment;
- Mentoring, technical workshops and business support;
- Possibility to join the NanoBioTech Nexus innovation network.
Exact award amounts and contractual conditions will be defined in the contract.
5. Application procedure — required documents & submission
Submission method: Online registration via the official form:
Register & apply here:
https://forms.gle/bC91TXJmzJLivcUi8
Format & completeness: Applications must be complete and uploaded through the online form by the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will be rejected at the administrative check.
6. Eligibility and evaluation
The evaluation will be based on a transparent set of award criteria covering core dimensions such as innovation & novelty, relevance to the call challenges, technical and commercial feasibility, expected health/social impact, and team capacity.
Detailed scoring weights, minimum pass thresholds and sub-criteria (e.g. TRL, sustainability considerations, market readiness, and potential for cross-border collaboration) are provided in the attached document.
Only administratively eligible applications will enter the technical review phase; shortlisted teams may be invited to a pitching session and asked for clarifications or additional evidence.
7. Ethics & non-eligible activities
Proposals must comply with fundamental ethical standards.
The activities under this call must not:
- aim at human cloning for reproductive purposes
- intend to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such modifications heritable (with the exception of research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads, which may be financed)
- intend to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer, or
- lead to the destruction of human embryos (for example, for obtaining stem cells).
8. How to get help & contact
For questions about the Call, application procedure or eligibility, please contact:
[email protected]