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 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. 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
