Are you looking to build new international collaborations and take your research ideas to the next level?
The Fontana Seed Fund Collaboration Challenge is a three-day, outcome-driven collaboration program for early-career researchers to develop interdisciplinary cancer research ideas in teams and compete for international seed funding.
Unlike traditional conferences, participants do not present finished work - they actively form teams, develop new project ideas, and work towards a fundable proposal within a structured and time-limited format.
The program combines structured networking, guided project development, and a competitive funding process to foster new international collaborations and accelerate early-stage research ideas.
What you need to know
The initiative consists of three components:
1. Team formation & Application phase
Applicants submit an individual research profile and connect with potential collaborators. It is not mandatory to be affiliated with one of the partner institutions to submit a profile. Teams of 2-3 researchers then submit a short joint proposal and compete for selection to the on-site bootcamp in Heidelberg.
2. On-site bootcamp (14–16 October 2026, Heidelberg, Germany)
Selected teams participate in a three-day intensive program at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), including team-building, guided grant-writing workshops, mentoring, and pitch training.
3. Competitive seed funding process
Following the on-site event, the most promising projects are selected for funding.
Up to nine teams will receive a one-year seed grant of €20,000 from one of the partner institutions listed below.
The following grants are available - conditional upon situable projects being identified:
- German Cancer Research Center: up to 3 grants (60.000 €)
- Netherland Cancer Institute: 1 grant (20.000 €)
- Karolinska Institutet: up to 3 grants (60.000 €)
- Institute of Cancer Research: 1 grant (20.000 €)
- Weizmann Institute : 1 grant (20.000 €)
What you gain
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Build new international and interdisciplinary collaborations
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Develop a competitive research proposal in a guided environment
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Receive hands-on training in grant writing and pitching
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Compete for seed funding to initiate your project
