In 2026, ZonMw and FAST will once again organize the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge. In this program, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs in the life sciences are challenged to translate a promising drug repurposing idea into a socially responsible route to patients and the market.

Drug repurposing is an important priority for FAST and the ZonMw program Good Use of Medicines. It offers opportunities for faster and more affordable therapy development, particularly for (rare) conditions for which no treatment is yet available. With this Venture Challenge, ZonMw and FAST demonstrate how this promise can be realized in practice, with entrepreneurship based on the principles of socially responsible licensing.

What does the Venture Challenge entail?
Selected teams develop their ideas into viable venture plans, under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs and experts from industry and other fields. The program consists of boot camps, coaching sessions, and a final day on which the teams present their plans to an expert jury. Guidance is provided by GameChanger BV.

Who is it for?
The Venture Challenge is intended for researchers and/or early-stage entrepreneurs in the life sciences who want to create a spin-off based on the repurposing of existing drugs for a new indication.

Planning
Teams can register for this edition of the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge 2026 from mid-February onwards. The first series of workshops is expected to start in June 2026. More information about the program, the schedule, and registration will follow shortly.