KIC call opened: Early detection of (emerging) outbreaks of infectious diseases
How can AI-driven early detection contribute to early recognition of infection hotspots in the Netherlands and prevent disruptive epidemics? To research this, NWO has openend a new call: "Early detection of (emerging) outbreaks of infectious diseases".
What is the purpose of the call?
The purpose of the call "KIC - Early detection of (emerging) outbreaks of infectious diseases" is the (further) development of AI-driven early warning systems. The focus is on the use and combination of already available, non-biomedical data sources for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks. Combining these data sources with existing biomedical surveillance, such as data from the veterinary domain, general practitioners or screening, is an important innovation. This will enable the early detection of infection hotspots in the Netherlands and prevent disruptive epidemics. Applicants are encouraged to develop a plan for data infrastructure, revenue models and a response plan and/or integrate these into existing plans. Applicants are also recommended to collaborate with existing national and international initiatives and/or networks. Therapy and vaccine development are beyond the scope of this call for proposals.
Read more about the call on the NWO-website.
Who can apply?
NWO invites researchers in the arts, humanities and social sciences, the business community and public and social organisations to work together on developing AI-driven early detection. The main applicant can apply on behalf of a consortium. A consortium is composed of at least one main applicant, a fellow applicant and 2 cofinancers, possibly supplemented with 1 or more collaborating partners. Please note: The main applicant is obligated to attend both collaborative workshops.
What can you apply for?
A minimum of 2 million euros and a maximum of 3,5 million euros in NWO funding can be requested for a proposal. NWO will finance up to 90% of the total project scope; the remainder of the project budget will be contributed through mandatory co-funding. NWO never finances less than 50% of the total project scope. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 6 2026, before 14.00.
Information meeting
Do you have any questions about this call? Then register for the information meeting on tuesday March 10, from 9.30 - 11.00 hours.
Collaborative workshops
Within the KIC call “Early detection of (emerging) outbreaks of infectious diseases”, consortium formation is encouraged through collaborative workshops. The workshops will take place on march 19 and april 16 2026 at the NWO office in Utrecht. Please note: the main applicant is obligated to attend both workshops. During these workshops, you can exchange ideas and jointly form the basis for a consortium. Anyone can participate: civil society organisations, companies or other private parties are expressly welcome. Register through the form on the NWO website.
Part of ZonMw within KIC
ZonMw is one of the domains of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). This means that ZonMw and NWO work together closely. ZonMw coordinates from her knowledge and expertise on different calls withtin the NWO-KIC innovation Convenant.
NWO-KIC: innovation programmes in the knowledge and innovation covenant
NWO develops innovation programmes that focus on societal challenges in the Netherlands. These programmes aim to have an impact on the economy, people and society. The focus is on cooperation between knowledge institutions, private parties and the government. The results thus contribute to the realisation of economic opportunities. It is therefore essential that companies invest in every research project.