On April 10, 2020, the three northern provinces and SNN made one million euros available for innovative corona solutions. In total, 22 proposals were submitted by northern entrepreneurs, researchers and healthcare institutions. This shows that they have great innovative strength and commitment to address this health crisis (also in the longer term). That is positive and promising for the Northern Netherlands and beyond. After evaluation, five innovative projects ultimately received a grant. Syncom, Lode B.V. and Coöperatie AVEBE U.A., all located on Campus Groningen, are three of the five companies that have received subsidies for their projects. Previous to the COVID-19 grant deadline of SNN, a webinar about the conditions and content of this COVID-19 grant from SNN was held via the Youtube Live Channel of Campus Groningen. Over 65 interested entrepreneurs/companies joined that Live Webinar.
About COVID-19 grant
The "COVID-19 grant" is intended to accelerate the progress of research and innovative solutions that help to solve the current health crisis caused by the corona virus. There is an urgent need for innovations to combat the virus. Subsidies can help accelerate their development.
Watch the COVID-19 grant Webinar by SNN and LIFE Cooperative back via the video below:
Awarded projects
Covid-19 total rehab - Lode B.V.
Rehabilitation as early as possible ensures a better and faster recovery and can prevent complications. Ultimately, this results in a higher quality of life. At Total Rehab, the patient starts rehabilitation in the ICU in bed. Thanks to the combination of a bedside ergometer and specially developed software on a tablet or PC, the progress of a patient can be tested more often and results are immediately visible. As a result, the rehabilitation process is better monitored and more active efforts are made to optimize recovery.
The development of AhR inhibitors for an oral antiviral therapy for COVID-19 patients - Syncom
The coronavirus activates the AhR receptor to bypass the immune system. By blocking this receptor with a medicine, the immune system can better deal with the virus and prevent the virus from multiplying. The same method is successful in combating Zika and Dengue, the efficacy in corona is being investigated.
Potato enzyme inhibitors for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 - Cooperative AVEBE U.A.
This project uses a product extracted from purified potato protein, which can suppress the routes of infection and inhibit lung damage. With this product new medicines can be developed, such as creams and nasal spray.
