Amsterdam UMC-backed national INFECT-TT programme launched: ready to invests 7 million in accelerated clinical product development for infectious diseases.
InFECT-TT and Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund (IDIF) launching in May 2026
In May 2026, a new initiative will launch to accelerate product development for infectious diseases: the InFECT TT Programme, together with the associated Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund. This initiative is implemented under the umbrella of InFECT-NL and contributes to the pandemic preparedness of the Netherlands.
InFECT TT supports researchers in further developing promising academic ideas towards a startup or clinical application. Five university medical centres collaborate in this programme: Amsterdam UMC, LUMC, UMC Utrecht, Radboudumc, and UMC Groningen.
Together, they combine expertise in infectious diseases, valorisation, and venture building. The programme works closely with the Samenwerking Infectieziekten, an initiative of the NVMM (Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology), NVII (Dutch Society of Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases) and the SGF (Association of Collaborating Health Foundations).
Researchers can apply for vouchers for validation, proof of concept, market exploration, and business development. Up to €57,000 is available per innovation, along with guidance from experienced business developers.
The Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund (IDIF) invests in early-stage startups with investments of up to €1.5 million. An independent fund manager (LEH) is responsible for this. The fund supports preclinical and early clinical development and helps companies apply for potential follow-on funding.
The focus is on therapies, vaccines, and platform technologies for infectious diseases. Diagnostics fall outside the scope of these initiatives.
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