Proof-of-Concept Initiative

The Proof-of-Concept Initiative is a Helmholtz-led funding and support programme, run together with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and university medicine partners, to accelerate promising preclinical and clinical development projects toward clinical proof-of-concept. The programme identifies projects nationwide and advances them using collaborative expertise to reach clinical validation and attract industry partners for further development. It focuses on translating innovative medicines and therapies from preclinical research into clinical development. Support emphasizes activities that enable demonstration of clinical efficacy (proof-of-concept).

Project advancement through Helmholtz and partner expertise to progress preclinical and clinical projects toward clinical proof-of-concept and to attract industrial development partners.

The initiative targets promising preclinical and clinical development projects; it supports research teams working on translational projects aiming for clinical proof-of-concept. Projects are identified and advanced in cooperation with Helmholtz partners and collaborators nationwide in Germany.