Go-Bio next

Funding for visionary research projects in the life-sciences

With the GO-Bio next program, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports research projects that require long development periods, high financial requirements and considerable development risk. This program aims to address significant needs in the life-sciences and promote projects that cannot be implemented without public support due to a lack of technological maturity.

Funding opportunities

GO-Bio next promotes innovative research and development (R&D) approaches in the life-sciences with high commercialization potential. Funding is provided in two phases:

1. First funding phase: proof-of-concept

In this phase, the research teams work on the proof-of-concept of their approach or develop it further. The aim is to bring the research approach to a level of maturity that enables a spin-off and counter-financing by investors.

2. Second funding phase: commercial exploitation

This is where the commercial exploitation of the developed strategies is implemented. The funded companies must provide evidence of private-sector co-financing. In this phase, the teams should further increase the maturity of their research approach, develop strategies for market launch and concretize the business model.

Who can apply?
First funding phase:

Research teams from German universities and research institutions willing to found a company

Second funding phase:

Small technology-oriented corporations that are usually founded as a result of the first funding phase. The main know-how carriers of the underlying technology should contribute their knowledge and manpower to the new company.

Application deadlines

Applications can be submitted twice a year, on March 15 and September 15.

Further information

Detailed information on the funding guidelines and the application offices can be found on the homepage of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.