Biotech Booster
Biotech Booster is a Dutch national program, funded by the National Growth Fund, that distributes non-dilutive subsidies and mentorship to early-stage biotech projects from 20+ Dutch knowledge institutes across five thematic clusters to accelerate commercialization.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Biotech Booster does
Biotech Booster is a Dutch national program, headquartered in Utrecht, that supports the commercialization of biotechnology findings originating from Dutch knowledge institutes. Founded in 2022/2023 and funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund (Nationaal Groeifonds), the program distributes non-dilutive subsidies to early-stage biotech projects through two tiers: Level 1 (Proof of Principle) providing up to €200,000 per project at KTH Innovation Readiness Levels 2–3, and Level 2 (Proof of Concept) providing up to €1.9 million per project at Levels 4–5. Projects are organized across five thematic clusters: Industrial Biotechnology & Production (TC1), Agriculture & Food (TC2), ATMPs/Biopharmaceuticals & Enabling Technologies (TC3), Diagnostics & Services (TC4), and Vaccines/Small Molecules/Discovery & Development Platforms (TC5).
The program's service offering combines financial support with non-financial services, including a Pool of 160+ experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and biotech experts providing mentorship through Impact Assessment Panels and Project Steering Committees, plus 39 business and impact developers embedded at 20+ knowledge institutes across the Netherlands. Additional programs include the Industrial Biotech Bootcamp, an 8-week intensive program co-developed with Planet B.io for industrial biotech startups, and investor-matching events such as Show Me The Money with PLNT Leiden. Governance is provided by a foundation board comprising Holland Bio, Johnson & Johnson, DSM Firmenich, NFU, Universiteiten van Nederland, and Vereniging Hogescholen.
Biotech Booster operates as a non-commercial, subsidy-pass-through entity rather than a revenue-generating business. Its total program capital of approximately €231 million from the National Growth Fund is allocated as grants to portfolio projects (examples include €1.9M to ChemoPredict/VitroScan, €1.9M to GOA@EASE, €200K to MimeCure Level 1, and €199.7K to Athero-Screen). The program does not develop proprietary technology; its core function is ecosystem intermediation, de-risking early-stage Dutch biotech through grant funding, expert matchmaking, and access to follow-on capital pathways.
Biotech Booster firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Biotech Booster
- Legal name
- Biotech Booster
- Website
- https://biotechbooster.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Biotech Booster is a Dutch national program, funded by the National Growth Fund, that distributes non-dilutive subsidies and mentorship to early-stage biotech projects from 20+ Dutch knowledge institutes across five thematic clusters to accelerate commercialization.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Biotech Booster industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biotech Commercialization Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM), Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM), Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)
Keywords
Where Biotech Booster is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Amsterdam
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Biotech Booster business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Government Subsidies to Projects: Biotech Booster is funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund and distributes subsidies to early-stage biotech projects. The program allocates up to €200,000 per Level 1 (Proof of Principle) project and up to €1.9 million per Level 2 (Proof of Concept) project. The program does not generate commercial revenue but operates as a non-profit national initiative.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 1: Proof of Principle subsidy - activity-based funding up to €200,000 per project |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 2: Proof of Concept subsidy - milestone-based funding up to €1.9 million per project |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Biotech Booster product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Biotech Booster is a Dutch national program funded by the National Growth Fund that supports commercialization of biotechnology findings through two subsidy tiers (Level 1: Proof of Principle up to €200,000; Level 2: Proof of Concept up to €1.9 million), expert mentorship from a pool of 160+ entrepreneurs, business developer support across 20+ knowledge institutes, an 8-week Industrial Biotech Bootcamp with Planet B.io, and events/networking to guide biotech founders from idea to investable proposition.
Product overview
Biotech Booster is a national program funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund that supports commercialization of biotechnology findings in The Netherlands. The core offering consists of two funding tiers: Level 1 (Proof of Principle) providing up to €200,000 for early-stage projects and Level 2 (Proof of Concept) providing up to €1.9 million for more advanced projects. The program operates through five Thematic Clusters (TC1-TC5) covering Industrial Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food, ATMPs/Biopharmaceuticals, Diagnostics & Services, and Vaccines/Small Molecules. Additional services include the Industrial Biotech Bootcamp (an 8-week intensive program in partnership with Planet B.io) and a Pool of Entrepreneurs network of 160+ experienced professionals who provide mentorship and guidance. Projects span various stages from proof-of-principle to proof-of-concept across health, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Biotech Booster Program A national program funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund that supports commercialization of biotechnology findings in The Netherlands, offering financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to guide scientists and entrepreneurs from idea stage to investable proposition.
- Level 1: Proof of Principle Early-stage project funding up to €200,000 for projects at KTH Innovation Readiness Level 2-3 that have formulated their technology and identified potential markets. Activity-based funding for a maximum project duration of 2 years; subsidy does not cover IP and permanent personnel costs.
- Level 2: Proof of Concept More advanced milestone-based funding up to €1.9 million per project for projects at KTH Innovation Readiness Level 4-5 that have demonstrated proof of principle. Comprises up to €1.3 million per project plus personnel costs up to €600,000. Maximum project duration 2 years.
- Industrial Biotech Bootcamp An intensive 8-week programme organized by Biotech Booster and Planet B.io for industrial biotech startups using fermentation, enzymes, or biobased processes. Includes modules on vision & value proposition, strategy & assumptions, roadmap & team, and funding/pitching. Features a kick-off webinar, in-person modules, and a final demo day with investor pitching opportunities.
- Pool of Entrepreneurs A growing network of over 160+ experienced professionals including entrepreneurs, investors, and biotech experts who support promising biotech innovations through Impact Assessment Panels, Project Steering Committees, and advisory roles.
Quantifiable outcome
- Projects supported with up to €1.9M funding for Level 2 and €200K for Level 1
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Biotech Booster
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Biotech Booster technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Biotech Booster partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Holland BiocoreHolland Bio is a key driving force behind Biotech Booster, serving as part of the foundation governance. Holland Bio represents the Dutch biotech industry and connects the program to the broader biotech ecosystem.
- Johnson & JohnsoncoreJohnson & Johnson is part of the governance foundation driving Biotech Booster, contributing industry expertise and connections to the life sciences sector.
- DSM FirmenichcoreDSM Firmenich is a member of the Biotech Booster foundation board, providing strategic guidance and industry connections for the program.
- Nederlandse Federatie van Universitair Medische Centra (NFU)coreNFU represents all eight Dutch university medical centers and is part of the Biotech Booster governance foundation, ensuring medical research perspective.
- Universiteiten van NederlandcoreAssociation of Dutch universities represented in Biotech Booster foundation, providing academic research network and expertise.
- Vereniging HogescholencoreAssociation of Dutch universities of applied sciences participates in governance, bringing practical and applied research perspective.
- Planet B.iocorePlanet B.io co-develops and co-delivers the Industrial Biotech Bootcamp with Biotech Booster. Located at Biotech Campus Delft, they foster the biotech ecosystem and provide infrastructure access.
- PLNT LeidenminorPLNT Leiden hosts the Show Me The Money - Hard Money event, connecting Biotech Booster startups with investors offering up to €5 million in funding.
- Oncode AcceleratorminorOncode Accelerator is part of the Biotech Booster ecosystem, contributing to the network of partners supporting biotech commercialization.
- RegMed XBminorRegMed XB (Regenerative Medicine Crossing Borders) collaborates with Biotech Booster, particularly for TC3 ATMPs and biopharmaceuticals cluster.
- NWOminorNetherlands Organisation for Scientific Research works with Biotech Booster ecosystem, with projects like Tropical Oils receiving NWO Take-Off funding.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Biotech Booster competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Planet B.io: Planet B.io operates the Biotech Campus Delft and co-develops the Industrial Biotech Bootcamp with Biotech Booster. Both serve Dutch biotech startups with commercialization support, infrastructure, and ecosystem access.
- Oncode Accelerator: Oncode Accelerator is a Dutch oncology-focused biotech accelerator and ecosystem partner of Biotech Booster. Both bridge academic cancer research to commercial ventures with funding, mentorship, and industry access.
- NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research): NWO administers Dutch national research funding including the Take-Off program referenced in Biotech Booster project funding flows. Both are Dutch national funding bodies supporting early-stage academic-to-commercial translation.
- BioGeneration Ventures: BioGeneration Ventures is a Dutch venture capital firm focused on early-stage biotech and life sciences companies. Like Biotech Booster, it sources deals from Dutch academic research and bridges academic innovation to commercial ventures.
- IndieBio: IndieBio is a global biotech accelerator providing seed funding, mentorship, and lab infrastructure to biology-based startups. Like Biotech Booster, it focuses on academic-to-commercial translation of biotech science with structured cohort programs.
- LabCentral: LabCentral is a US biotech incubator providing lab space, mentorship, and programming to early-stage biotech startups. Both function as shared infrastructure platforms that help academic biotech founders commercialize their research.
- RegMed XB: RegMed XB (Regenerative Medicine Crossing Borders) is a Dutch public-private partnership in regenerative medicine collaborating with Biotech Booster's TC3 cluster. Both are Netherlands-based programs supporting biotech commercialization with national scope.
Regional players
- EIT Health: EIT Health is a European public-private partnership supporting health innovation and biotech startups across the EU. Both it and Biotech Booster provide funding plus accelerator support for biotech commercialization, though EIT Health operates at pan-European scale.
- Innovate UK: Innovate UK is the United Kingdom's national innovation agency providing grant funding and accelerator support to early-stage companies including biotech ventures. It is the closest international equivalent to Biotech Booster's national commercialization model.
- Novo Seeds: Novo Seeds is the early-stage investment arm of Novo Holdings focusing on Nordic biotech startups. Like Biotech Booster, it supports academic biotech founders with seed capital and commercialization expertise, though operating in the Nordics rather than the Netherlands.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Biotech Booster social profiles
Digital presenceBiotech Booster financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Biotech Booster leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
Biotech Booster funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Biotech Booster M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Biotech Booster
What does Biotech Booster do?
Biotech Booster is a Dutch national program funded by the National Growth Fund that supports commercialization of biotechnology findings through two subsidy tiers (Level 1: Proof of Principle up to €200,000; Level 2: Proof of Concept up to €1.9 million), expert mentorship from a pool of 160+ entrepreneurs, business developer support across 20+ knowledge institutes, an 8-week Industrial Biotech Bootcamp with Planet B.io, and events/networking to guide biotech founders from idea to investable proposition.
Is Biotech Booster a public or private company?
Biotech Booster is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Biotech Booster founded?
Biotech Booster was founded in 2023. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Biotech Booster based?
Biotech Booster is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Biotech Booster make money?
One revenue line is on record: government Subsidies to Projects.
Who are Biotech Booster's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Planet B.io, Oncode Accelerator, NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research), BioGeneration Ventures, IndieBio, LabCentral and RegMed XB. Regional players are EIT Health, Innovate UK and Novo Seeds.
Does Biotech Booster have an API?
No public API is recorded for Biotech Booster.
What industry is Biotech Booster in?
Biotech Booster's product category is Biotech Commercialization Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAL, Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of FSANAAAM, Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8731.