The event, held on the World Day for Laboratory Animals, brought together researchers, innovators, and stakeholders to reflect on the future of animal-free research and the steps needed to accelerate this transition.

From training to impact

Over the past months, five teams participated in the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge, an intensive programme designed to support researchers in translating their innovations into viable ventures. Through multi-day bootcamps and coaching sessions, teams developed their business cases and explored pathways to real-world application.

During the final pitches, the jury selected Daranamix as the winner, awarding the team a research prize of €25,000.

About Daranamix

The winning team, consisting of José Manuel Rivera Arbeláez, Jana Hecking, Mariel Cano Jorge and Robert Passier, developed the Multi-Heart Plate (MHP).

This technology enables the standardised creation of multiple fluid-pumping heart chambers using reprogrammed stem cells. Combined with real-time sensor measurements, the platform provides clinically relevant data, offering a more predictive and human-centred alternative to animal models in cardiovascular research.

By improving the accuracy and speed of drug development, the Multi-Heart Plate contributes to safer and more efficient testing of new therapies.

Public Award for ViroGenesis

In addition to the jury prize, a Public Award was presented to ViroGenesis, based on audience votes during the event. The team received a prize of €1,000 in recognition of their innovation and presentation.

Strong cohort driving animal-free innovation

The 2026 edition brought together five promising teams: Daranamix, NuClear, ViroGenesis, PartCell Solutions and LubaLabs. All participants demonstrated strong commitment to advancing animal-free research and translating scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions.

The Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge highlights how entrepreneurship can play a key role in accelerating the transition towards animal-free science.