In 2026, ZonMw and FAST – Centre for Future Affordable Sustainable Therapy Development will once again organise the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge. From mid-February onwards, teams will be able to apply. The first series of workshops is scheduled to start in June 2026. Further information about the programme, timeline, and application procedure will be shared soon.

During the Drug Repurposing Venture Challenge, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences are encouraged to develop innovative drug repurposing ideas into socially responsible pathways towards patients and the market.

Drug repurposing is a key focus area within FAST and the ZonMw programme on the Appropriate Use of Medicines. This approach creates opportunities to make therapies available more quickly and at lower cost, particularly for rare diseases for which no effective treatment currently exists. Through this challenge, ZonMw and FAST demonstrate how this potential can be translated into practice, with a strong emphasis on responsible entrepreneurship and socially responsible licensing.

What does the Venture Challenge involve?
Selected teams develop their concepts into robust and viable venture plans, supported by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. The programme includes intensive bootcamps, personalised coaching, and a final pitch day, where teams present their plans to an expert jury. The programme is delivered by GameChanger Challenge.

Who is this for?
The Venture Challenge is aimed at researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences who are interested in establishing a spin-off focused on repositioning existing medicines for new indications.