Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge 2026: From breakthrough research to viable venture

ZonMw and FAST will organise the second edition of the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge from June to October 2026. This three-month programme supports researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs in translating a promising drug repurposing breakthrough into a solid and socially responsible venture plan.

Teams are invited to submit their idea by 7 April 2026, 14:00 CET.

From idea to patient

Drug repurposing holds strong potential for faster and more affordable therapy development, particularly for rare and underserved diseases. While repurposing research often originates within academia, patient access is frequently limited to off-label prescribing. To fully realise its potential, a structured commercial strategy is needed to bring repurposed medicines to patients as registered (on-label) therapies.

Registration of new indications remains limited, often due to lack of entrepreneurial experience and regulatory knowledge. At the same time, sustainable pricing strategies are essential: medicines must generate a reasonable return on investment without driving excessive healthcare costs or limiting patient access.

The Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge addresses this gap by offering experienced guidance and structured support.

Innovation and affordability

Drug repurposing is a strategic focus area for FAST and for ZonMw’s Goed Gebruik Geneesmiddelen programme. ZonMw has funded drug repurposing projects for over ten years and operates a dedicated funding scheme for repurposing research. ZonMw is also a consortium partner in the European REMEDi4ALL initiative, contributing to improving the funding landscape and impact of repurposing projects.

FAST, through its collaboration hub RARE-NL, supports knowledge development and showcases socially responsible repurposing models. Together, ZonMw and FAST aim to accelerate and increase the societal impact of repurposed medicines.

Programme structure

During the three-month programme, selected teams develop a comprehensive venture plan under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts and business coaches. The aim is to transform a scientific breakthrough into an investable business case and a socially responsible route to market.

The programme consists of:

  • Two three-day bootcamps (including overnight stays)

  • Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions

  • A final pitch event

  • A prize of €20,000 for the winning team

The final presentation will take place on 7 October 2026 during Radboud Investment Day, with the winner announced at the FAST event in early November 2026.

The programme is delivered by GameChanger Challenge BV, an experienced team that has organised more than 35 editions of the Venture Challenge.

Who can apply?

The Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge is intended for researchers and early-stage Life Sciences entrepreneurs aiming to create a spin-off based on repurposing an existing pharmaceutical product for a new, unregistered indication.

Applications must be submitted in English via the registration form by 7 April 2026, 14:00 CET.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • A team of at least three and up to four members

  • Availability for both bootcamps, the final pitch event and the award ceremony

  • Commitment to coaching sessions between bootcamps

  • A participation fee of €2,000 per team of three, plus €500 for an additional team member

Following a pre-screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. A maximum of six teams will be admitted to the programme.

For further details and eligibility criteria, please consult the FAST website or contact Chrétien Herben (GameChanger Challenge BV) at herben@venturechallenge.nl.

FAST ZONMW

Source: Fast

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