Blood-Brain Barrier Innovations Grant Program

EQT Foundation is offering a fast-track funding opportunity aimed at scientists and researchers developing breakthrough technologies to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), with the ultimate goal of transforming drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The foundation recognizes the BBB as one of the most significant challenges in medicine, obstructing the delivery of over 98% of small molecule drugs and nearly 100% of large molecule therapeutics to the brain. This blockade has limited the treatment options for patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, brain tumors, and rare pediatric neurological diseases. Through this open call, EQT Foundation intends to accelerate innovations that can change this dynamic. This grant provides non-dilutive funding ranging from €25,000 to €100,000 to support translational research projects that employ high-risk, high-reward deeptech approaches. The emphasis is on catalytic funding designed to speed up the development of groundbreaking solutions. EQT Foundation is particularly interested in applications that demonstrate innovative strategies for BBB modulation and CNS-targeted delivery mechanisms, especially those that show validated or promising capabilities for therapeutic transport across the BBB. The scope of funding includes a wide range of technological domains, such as engineered vectors and nanoparticles with demonstrated CNS distribution, receptor-mediated transport systems using established or novel BBB receptors, cell-penetrating peptides, exosome engineering, and subcellular targeting. Also of interest are physical and device-based approaches like focused ultrasound with microbubbles, implantable devices for local drug delivery, and novel energy-based methods. Molecular and biological modulation strategies such as tight junction modulators, osmotically-driven methods, or gene therapies with reversible BBB opening potential are also eligible. Moreover, enabling technologies like in vitro BBB models, imaging biomarkers, AI-driven prediction tools, and high-throughput screening platforms that support translational readiness are welcomed. EQT Foundation’s fast granting approach is designed to be scientist-friendly, with a streamlined and accelerated application review and decision process. The application deadline for this round is April 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM CET. There is no pre-application step such as an LOI or concept paper; applicants may proceed directly to submission. Eligible applicants must be scientists or researchers affiliated with accredited nonprofit universities, hospitals, or research institutions, and the opportunity is open to international applicants. Proposals that merely incrementally improve existing delivery systems, lack a novel BBB delivery component, or focus solely on peripheral nervous system solutions or digital health tools without direct CNS impact are considered out of scope. The foundation is seeking individuals with a strong academic background, translational vision, and entrepreneurial mindset—those who can articulate a clear strategy to move from discovery to patient impact. All applications should reflect bold scientific thinking, a sound translational plan, and the potential for substantial impact on rare diseases or broader CNS disorders. While the funding is not limited to any single country, U.S.-based scientists are fully eligible, provided they are affiliated with an eligible nonprofit research institution. EQT Foundation invites researchers to apply and become part of a pioneering wave of innovation targeting one of medicine’s most difficult frontiers.

Applicants are encouraged to propose bold, translational solutions with potential for significant patient impact; entrepreneurial mindset and clarity of vision are prioritized.