Brightlands Impact Award

Do you have an innovative research project that has the potential to solve real problems? The Brightlands Impact Award can help you turn your ideas into practical applications!

Purpose

The aim of the Brightlands Impact Award is to advance the development and commercial implementation of innovative projects originating from MUMC+ and UM across all Brightlands campuses. These projects should have potential for commercialization and societal impact.

The scope of the Impact Award includes innovations that contribute to the Brightlands focus domains of health, sustainability, digitalization, and nutrition. The award will be granted annually, subject to available funding. Each year, a more specific sub-focus within the domains of sustainability, digitalization, and nutrition may be chosen.

Winners will receive a budget to perform valorisation-related activities. These activities should aim to advance the project towards a market-ready solution, addressing societal challenges and/or creating economic value. Participants will first be asked to submit a pre-proposal and, if selected, a full proposal. This includes a description of their innovation and the proposed activities (see procedure and requirements below). Full proposals will be assessed and selected by a panel of three reviewers: a representative from Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus (MHC), a representative from UM/MUMC+, and an independent reviewer.

Who can apply?

PhD students, postdocs, early career researchers, and medical professionals employed by UM/MUMC+  who are active within the Brightlands ecosystem.

Award details

One winning project will receive a budget of €20,000 for out-of-pocket costs to perform knowledge transfer activities, such as validation, technical pilots, regulatory and quality requirements, clinical validation strategies, and other related activities to advance the idea towards market readiness. 

Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus will provide business development support in kind to each project. This support can include market need assessments, competitive analyses, business feasibility studies, commercialization planning, and other related activities.

Brightlands Impact Festival

The Brightlands Impact Festival, taking place on May 15, 2025, at the Maastricht Health Campus, is a dynamic event where innovation meets opportunity. Join a vibrant community to explore impactful ideas, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover new personal and career pathways. 

Learn more about the festival here: