Minibrains against dementia - human 3D brain cell models for drug discovery in neurodegenerative disorders

Important results from the project

The goal of this project was to support BrainZell’s efforts in applying for EU grants for (1) developing and commercializing BrainZell’s proprietary technology of producing brain cortical organoids on a large industrial scale, and (2) establishing transferability of the experimental data produced on BrainZell’s organoids into clinically relevant real-life outcomes. BrainZell gained tremendous experience and competence in applying to European funding. We led the projects and coordinated the writing efforts of consortium members as well as professional consultants.

Expected long term effects

Consortium of world-leading experts and institutes together with SMEs formed a solid ground for the high-risk high-gain projects. The evaluators appreciated the novelty of our approach in combining two emerging first-class technologies that would elevate the speed and relevance of drug discovery. Our project plan was regarded as well-structured, the impact of our innovation high. Differing national requirements in countries participating in Eurostars make it challenging to form the consortium with the right expertise.

Approach and implementation

We have used the resources to strengthen the grant applications with writing and editing expertise from skilled EU-grant specialized consultants as well as narrative creators. Financing further laboratory experiments through this project helped us substantiate the results and showcase the robustness, reproducibility, and reliability of BrainZell’s technology. BrainZell led the application to EIC Pathfinder with consortium of 3 research institutes and 3 SMEs. BrainZell led preparations for the application to Eurostars with a medical university and an SME.