7 Steps on How LIfT BioSciences Secured €12 Million for Solid Tumour Therapy in 2025
The biotech startup world continues to prove its ingenuity as London-based LIfT BioSciences successfully secures €12 million from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF). With a mission to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumours, this groundbreaking funding highlights lessons and strategies for entrepreneurs seeking similar opportunities. Below, we dive into the steps, benefits, and insights that helped LIfT BioSciences achieve this milestone and how startup founders can apply these lessons to their own ventures in 2025.
Introduction
Cancer treatment is undergoing a major transformation, with immunotherapies leading the charge in addressing previously untreatable conditions. LIfT BioSciences has emerged at the forefront with its innovative alpha neutrophil immunotherapy for solid tumours. The €12 million grant will fund first-in-human clinical trials scheduled for late 2026.
For entrepreneurs and startup founders, this success story serves as an inspiring roadmap to navigating grant applications and forming strategic partnerships that lead to notable breakthroughs.
Let’s dissect how this success unfolded and explore actionable lessons for your startup journey, including practical tools like PlayPal: Your AI Friend and the F/MS AI Grant Finder.
7 Steps That Led to LIfT BioSciences' Funding Success
1. Identify the Core Problem: Treatment Resistance in Cancer
LIfT BioSciences focused on a pressing issue affecting cancer therapies, treatment resistance in solid tumours. By pinpointing this challenge, they positioned themselves as problem-solvers in a competitive market.
Tip for Founders: Start by clearly articulating your problem and validating it in the marketplace. Use validation platforms like the SANDBOX to understand if your solution addresses real-world needs effectively.
2. Develop a Unique Solution: Alpha Neutrophil Immunotherapy
LIfT innovated a first-in-class therapy called IMANs (Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils), which utilizes engineered immune cells to combat tumours non-antigen-specifically. Unlike traditional treatments, their approach replaces immune systems entirely rather than repairing them.
For Entrepreneurs: Highlight what makes your solution unique and game-changing. Use tools like PlayPal, developed by AI pioneer Violetta Bonenkamp, to brainstorm ideas and refine your concept.
3. Form Strategic Consortium Partnerships
LIfT BioSciences partnered with major institutions like the University of Galway and Hooke Bio, leveraging expertise in clinical trials and immuno-analytics to strengthen their application.
How to Replicate: Collaborate with reputable entities in your niche. These partnerships lend credibility to your venture and expand your capabilities.
4. Craft a Winning Grant Application with AI Support
The €12 million grant from DTIF was awarded after rigorous competition. Crafting a compelling proposal was crucial, highlighting their innovative technology, potential impact, and readiness for trials.
Insider Tip: Use tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to locate suitable grants and automatically draft professional application texts. This tool supports startups by optimizing their grant search and application process.
5. Leverage Financial and Government Support
DTIF's €500 million fund aims to back projects with transformative potential. By aligning their project with DTIF's goals, LIfT BioSciences secured financial support for scaling their operations and research.
Strategy for Founders: Identify funding opportunities that align with your project’s goals. Platforms like Fe/male Switch, helmed by Violetta Bonenkamp, help startups navigate grant systems as a part of their educational incubator experience.
6. Focus on Clinical Trial Readiness
First-in-human clinical trials for IMANs are planned for Q4 2026, with preclinical studies already indicating significant efficacy in preventing tumour escape mechanisms.
Founder Takeaway: Being ready for the next phase of growth increases your chances of securing funding. Always include realistic milestones and execution plans in your pitch.
7. Embrace Innovative Platforms
Tools like Hooke Bio’s immuno-analytics platform and cutting-edge genetic engineering significantly advanced LIfT's positioning.
Modern-Day Approach: Incorporating technology in your strategy demonstrates forward-thinking and adaptability. Explore AI-driven platforms like SANDBOX for concept validation and idea testing.
Statistics & Industry Lessons
90%+ cancer deaths are caused by tumour escape mechanisms, underscoring the necessity of LIfT's IMAN therapy.
Stat 1: More than 67% startups fail to secure government funding due to application gaps, tools like the AI Grant Finder can improve success rates.
Stat 2:85% of startups using AI-powered tools reported better scalability and decision-making.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Validation: Skipping the problem-validation phase can lead to misaligned solutions.
Poor Grant Applications: Generic proposals fail to stand out, always tailor it to the grant’s objectives.
Lack of Partnerships: Ignoring collaborator opportunities limits project scalability and credibility.
Validate your idea in a structured environment like SANDBOX.
Partner with institutions that enhance your credibility.
Create a professional grant application using AI-assisted tools.
PlayPal: Your AI Friend for Entrepreneurs
If you're building your startup, don’t overlook PlayPal, your personal AI co-founder by Fe/male Switch. Developed by Violetta Bonenkamp, PlayPal is a conversational assistant that provides guidance, helps track SOPs, and brainstorms innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Securing funding may seem daunting, but as LIfT BioSciences shows, a clear problem focus, innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and powerful tools pave the way to success. Entrepreneurs in 2025 can leverage advanced AI tools like F/MS AI Grant Finder and PlayPal to strengthen their chances in competitive grant applications. Take these steps, avoid common mistakes, and turn your startup vision into reality.
Get the insider playbook for funding success. Learn from the pros. Innovate smarter. Let’s build!
FAQ
1. What is LIfT BioSciences and its mission?
LIfT BioSciences is a UK-based biotech company pioneering alpha neutrophil immunotherapy to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumours. Learn more about LIfT BioSciences
2. What is the €12 million grant for?
The €12 million grant from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) will support first-in-human clinical trials of LIfT BioSciences' Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs). Read about the grant
3. What makes LIfT BioSciences' immunotherapy unique?
Their technology, IMANs, uses non-antigen-specific pattern recognition to attack tumors and offers an entirely new way of replacing rather than repairing immune systems.
4. Who are LIfT’s consortium partners for this project?
The key partners include the University of Galway for clinical trials and Hooke Bio for immuno-analytics platforms.
5. How will the grant help LIfT BioSciences?
The funding will enable LIfT BioSciences to advance preclinical research, scale manufacturing, and launch clinical trials aimed at solid tumors resistant to current therapies. Learn about IMAN development
6. When are the clinical trials expected to begin?
First-in-human clinical trials for the IMAN technology are scheduled to start in Q4 2026.
7. What is DTIF’s role in this project?
DTIF, under Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, funded the project to back transformative innovations with significant healthcare impacts. Explore DTIF details
8. Why are neutrophils important in cancer therapy?
LIfT BioSciences' engineered neutrophils (IMANs) prevent tumour escape mechanisms, the cause of over 90% of cancer-related deaths.
9. What technology underpins LIfT BioSciences’ solution?
Their N-LIfT platform and IMANs are developed using advanced stem cell engineering and genetic technology.
10. Who benefits from LIfT Biosciences’ innovation?
Patients with aggressive, treatment-resistant solid tumours stand to benefit as the initial trials target those with limited therapeutic options. Discover more about solid tumor therapies
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.