Each year, around 25,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with a rare form of cancer — including 600 children. These patients often face significant challenges: delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and lower survival rates. Addressing this unmet need requires collaboration, innovation, and a clear path toward clinical impact.
To help meet that challenge, Oncode Institute is proud to partner with KWF Kankerbestrijding and Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij (KiKa) in launching REACT-NL (Rare Cancer Therapies-NL) — a new thematic programme under the Health~Holland 2025 Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
A National Effort to Improve Diagnostics and Treatment for Rare Cancers
REACT-NL aims to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapies for rare cancers, including childhood cancers. The initiative will stimulate the formation of public-private consortia uniquely positioned to bring cutting-edge research closer to patients.
This programme focuses on applied research with clear clinical relevance and impact. It also places strong emphasis on valorization — turning research findings into practical solutions through collaboration between academia and industry. Oncode Institute’s own valorization team can support selected consortia to ensure promising innovations are translated effectively.
Key Details at a Glance
- Budget: €3 million total available funding
- Call opens: 13 May 2025
- Submission deadline: 9 September 2025
- Funding decision: January 2026
- Eligibility: Public-private consortia with at least one research organisation and one for-profit partner. The main applicant must be based in the Netherlands.
- Project type: Applied research with a focus on industrial research or experimental development.
- Exclusions: Activities at TRL 8–9 or phase-III clinical studies are not permitted
Scope of REACT-NL
Projects must focus on new diagnostics or treatments for rare cancers, including childhood cancers. Eligible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Artificial intelligence (e.g., predictive modelling, repurposing, toxicology)
- Cell and gene therapies
- Diagnostic imaging technologies
- Organoid and organ-on-a-chip models
- Therapeutic vaccines and RNA-based treatments
- Theranostics
- Radionuclide therapy
- Personalised medicine and patient stratification
All projects must align with the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) 2024–2027 Health and Care, and meet the PPP subsidy conditions.
For Oncode Investigators
If you are considering submitting a proposal, contact your Oncode Institute Business Developer early in the process.
Next Steps
The full call text, Funding information,outline of the application procedure and relevant documents, are available on the KWF website.
More information
You can find more Call 2025-PPP REACT-NL information on the KWF website.