SU Researchers Receive Proof of Concept Grants in Life Science

A total of eleven innovation projects across Sweden received funding in the 2025 Proof of Concept call in life science. The projects span a wide range of areas, from diagnostics and drug development to sustainability, e-health, and industrial biotechnology. Two of these projects are led by researchers at Stockholm University. The funded projects receive between one and four million SEK each, for a project period of up to two years.

"The Proof-of-Concept grant provides researchers with powerful support to take the next step toward practical application of their research results. The funding helps to enable early-stage innovation from academic research that can lead to societal benefits," says Sara Mazur, Executive Director of Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, in a press release.

Georgios Sotiriou, Professor at the Department of Chemistry, has been awarded funding for the project Nanoengineered photoactivated drug-free antimicrobial wound dressings. The project aims to develop nanostructured wound dressings that are activated by light and can effectively combat bacteria without the use of traditional antibiotics.

The innovation seeks to reduce the risk of infections and help slow the development of antibiotic resistance, a growing global healthcare challenge.

New Markers for Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Mats Nilsson, Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, has received support for the project inCAFs as a spatial marker of invasiveness in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma. The project focuses on identifying spatial markers within the tumour microenvironment that can be used to better assess invasiveness in early-stage lung cancer.

In addition to the funding, business development support is provided through Wallenberg Launch Pad (WALP) to help advance the innovations towards commercial maturity. Since 2017, a total of 139 Proof of Concept grants have been awarded.

Read more on the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation website here.

Are you a researcher at Stockholm University?

Since 2017, a total of 139 Proof of Concept grants have been awarded. The next call in life science is now open, with applications closing on 20 February 2026. If you are a researcher at SU and require support and guidance for an idea, contact the Innovations Office at The Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services (REIS).

Written by: Madeleine Hendefors