Help Shape ASTP's New Proof of Concept Fund Special Interest Group

At the ASTP Annual Conference, we saw strong interest from members in creating a dedicated community focused on Proof of Concept (PoC) and translational funding. Building on those discussions, we are now exploring the creation of a new Special Interest Group (SIG) and would like your input to help shape it.

Complete the survey here: Proof of Concept Fund SIG

Proof of Concept funding plays a key role in helping move research results towards societal and commercial impact. The proposed SIG would bring together professionals involved in the design, management and evaluation of PoC and translational funding programmes to share experiences, challenges and best practices.

The initiative is being championed by Oleksandra Korychenska, who sees the SIG as an opportunity to create a valuable forum for peer learning and exchange.

"The PoC SIG will create an open forum for professionals working on early-stage technology de-risking through proof of concept and translational funding initiatives. From identifying high-potential projects and designing funding calls, to managing risk, supporting researchers and evaluating outcomes, the group will explore what makes PoC funds truly effective. Our aim is to share experiences and practical insights to help institutions strengthen their approach to de-risking innovation, unlock follow-on funding, and accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact."

Potential topics include fund governance, project selection and evaluation, impact measurement, sustainability, partnerships, and supporting researchers through the PoC process.

If you work in knowledge transfer, innovation, commercialisation or research funding, we encourage you to complete the survey and share your ideas. Your feedback will help us determine the level of interest and shape the future direction of the SIG.

The survey will remain open until 24 June 2026.

Complete the survey here: Proof of Concept Fund SIG

Please note that access to ASTP SIGs, including their meetings, activities and online collaboration spaces, is exclusively available to ASTP members.