Call type: Open public call / Innovation Challenge
Organiser: Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University (IFNMU) within the NanoBioTech Nexus project
Total budget: €20,000
Applications open: 23 March 2026
Deadline for submission: 12 April 2026 (23:59 Kyiv time)
EnterPRIZE events (finalists): 01 May 2026, 15 May 2026
1. Objective & Expected Impact
The NanoBioTech Nexus Open Call for Innovative Ideas 2026 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 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:
- Wound care and infection prevention — Possible solution: multifunctional antimicrobial wound dressings with an inflammation indicator for early visual monitoring of healing.
- Advanced medical dressing materials — Possible solution: nano-enabled dressings or wipes with silver/zinc-based antimicrobial coatings for local bacterial control.
- Rapid diagnostics and contamination monitoring — Possible solution: a simple nanomaterial-based detection kit for fast visualization of bacterial contamination on hands, instruments, and working surfaces.
- Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm disruption — Possible solution: nano-mechanical technologies that physically damage bacteria and biofilms instead of relying on conventional antibiotics.
- Oncology and intraoperative imaging — Possible solution: tumor-targeting nanoparticles with fluorescent properties for real-time identification of malignant tissue and surgical margin support.
- Emergency medicine and hemostasis — Possible solution: smart nanoparticles that detect bleeding sites and trigger localized blood clotting only where needed.
- Prosthetics and residual limb care — Possible solution: absorbent, low-friction, and pressure-sensing nano-enabled interface materials for improved comfort and protection in prosthetic sockets.
- Industrial surface engineering and functional coatings — Possible solution: next-generation nano-enhanced coatings that improve wear resistance, protect surfaces, and provide active functional performance.
Solutions outside these areas may be considered in case 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:
- The total prize fund of €20,000 will be allocated to the winners selected at each of the two EnterPRIZE events;
- 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/4dunYZBULYWi8taE8
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]