Cancer-innovation Ecosystem
Since its establishment in 2018, the Foundation Oncode Institute has evolved into a national ecosystem that connects scientists, clinicians, patients, charities, industry partners, and public stakeholders. By connecting world-class fundamental cancer research with collaboration and active valorisation, Oncode Instituteaccelerates the path from new biological insights to clinical applications and societal value. In 2025, this integrated approach further matured, demonstrating tangible impact for patients, society, and the economy.
Health and patient-centric innovation
Patient involvement remained structurally embedded throughout the institute’s activities, contributing to research prioritization, project evaluation, and advisory structures.
Collaboration between researchers and clinicians was further strengthened through targeted workshops and the Clinical Proof of Concept program, where researchers and clinicians jointly develop early clinical studies. In 2025, three new CPoC projects were awarded, and two projects were completed.
Progress towards clinical application also continued: four new innovations entered the clinical development phase. These developments build on fundamental insights developed within Oncode Institute. This brings the total number of innovations that have reached the clinical development phase since the institute’s founding to 26, of which 22 remain actively in development.
Scientific breakthroughs
In 2025, Oncode Institute continued to deliver high-quality scientific output and strengthen its collaborative research ecosystem. Oncode Investigators published more than 400 scientific articles, with impact levels comparable to the world’s leading biomedical and life sciences institutes. Researchers also secured over €45 million in external grants and awards.
Collaboration remained a key driver of progress, including 23 new industry partnerships and 3 new Clinical Proof of Concept (CPoC) projects that support the translation of discoveries into clinical application.
Scientific progress has deepened our understanding of tumour biology, genome stability and immune interactions. These insights are increasingly shaping the foundation for new therapeutic strategies. One example is the PERICODE project, in which seven research groups have combined their expertise in genomics, AI, biochemistry and clinical research. Together, they are unravelling the fundamental principles of gene regulation and uncovering how non-coding DNA alterations drive cancer. These fundamental insights form the starting point for new diagnostic strategies, therapies and applications that are further developed towards patients and society through the Oncode model.
Valorization and economic impact
Oncode Institute further strengthened the translation of research into societal and economic value by connecting researchers with industry partners, investors, and entrepreneurs.
In 2025, 27 inventions and 26 new patent applications reflected a strong innovation pipeline, with 38% of the active portfolio partnered for further development towards application and patient impact. Oncode Institute also attracted €22.3 million in private cash commitments, demonstrating its ability to leverage public funding into additional investment.
Through the Oncology Bridge Fund (OBF), two new spin-out companies were supported, bringing the total portfolio to 14 spin-offs. In addition, two portfolio companies raised €13.5 million in follow-on capital. Building on this success, Oncology Bridge Fund II was established to continue supporting early-stage oncology innovation.