Broader access, higher funding ranges and new routes to accelerate innovation and scale-up.
SBMC has expanded its co-funding programme for biomaterials R&D, increasing both the scope and accessibility of funding. The programme now covers 35–50% of total project costs and supports a wider range of projects, from feasibility studies (€5,000–€50,000) to innovation projects (up to €1 million) and larger R&D collaborations (up to approximately €1.25 million).
The expansion is designed to lower the threshold for startups and SMEs to engage earlier in development, reduce upfront risk and create a clearer path toward scale-up and follow-on funding.
“Smart biomaterials don’t fail because of a lack of ideas,” says Jan Rietsema, CEO of SBMC. “They fail because the step from laboratory innovation to scalable, validated application is too costly and too complex for one party to carry alone.”
From breakthrough to bottleneck
Unlike software or digital health solutions, smart biomaterials must be physically produced, tested and scaled under strict regulatory conditions. Early investments in material development, biological validation and pilot manufacturing can quickly reach hundreds of thousands to millions of euros.
This creates a well-known bottleneck: startups hesitate to invest heavily before validation, while investors prefer to step in once risks are reduced. Co-funding is intended to bridge that gap.
Lowering the barrier to start
SBMC applies a matched funding model, investing alongside companies and research partners. The recent expansion broadens the range of entry points, from early feasibility to larger, application-driven R&D projects.
This makes it easier to start small, validate quickly and grow into larger funding trajectories. In practice, initial co-funded projects often unlock access to regional, national or European programmes.
Infrastructure included
In addition to funding, SBMC provides access to shared development labs, testing facilities and pilot manufacturing infrastructure. This reduces the need for upfront capital investment and strengthens funding proposals.
Toward faster impact
For companies, the expanded programme offers earlier access, lower risk and a more structured path toward application. For investors, it signals reduced technical uncertainty and a stronger development basis.
As Rietsema puts it: “Cofunding is not about giving something up. It’s about moving faster with less exposure.”
