Boosting innovation and commercialization through international collaboration
How the International Kickstarter Call can serve as a catalyst for building early momentum in a startup’s funding journey
Article made possible with Eugen Ostrofet from 1NA
Navigating the biotech industry requires more than a cutting-edge technology, it demands bold vision and strategic collaboration. 1NA, a Dutch startup at the intersection of nanotechnology and drug development, brings both to the table. With a focus on single-molecule techniques, the company is working to unlock new insights into molecular interactions that could reshape the future of medicine. In this interview, founder Eugen Ostrofet shares how early international collaboration, boosted by the International Kickstarter Call, helped propel 1NA’s mission forward.
1NA was founded to tackle a key bottleneck in single-molecule analysis. To scale a promising method developed at Columbia University, the company needed access to specialized resources. That search led them to the Netherlands, a country with a strong nanofabrication ecosystem, leading biophysics expertise, and a collaborative innovation culture. Despite its U.S. origins, 1NA chose to build its future in the Dutch tech landscape.
A global approach from the start
Interestingly, 1NA’s first collaborations were international by default. At the time of their application for the International Kickstarter Call, they had no Dutch partners, only a collaborative relationship with their U.S.-based academic origins. While this relationship provided scientific strength, it lacked independent validation and did not reflect broader market interest, both of which were crucial at that stage and underscored the need for expanding international collaboration. Despite common startup wisdom advising local-first partnerships, 1NA took a different path. “Establishing a new international collaboration may not seem intuitive for a startup,” explains Ostrofet. “Many early-stage companies focus on local partnerships, which still require substantial effort, especially without a proven track record; while larger SMEs, for whom international collaboration comes more naturally, are often hesitant to apply for smaller grants. But in hindsight, it positioned us in an excellent position to benefit from a funding opportunity that seems overlooked.”
Sparking new international collaborations
Developed by Health~Holland, the International Kickstarter Call aims to spark new international public-private collaborations in the Life Sciences & Health (LSH) sector. It specifically supports consortia that are in the early stages of collaborations with partners from the strategic target countries, as outlined in the International Strategy 2024–2027.
By funding the initial steps of international collaboration through this Call, Health~Holland aims to stimulate international R&D initiatives that foster valorization and lasting economic and societal impact. It addresses a recognized gap in the current funding landscape and serves as a complementary instrument alongside major instruments such as Eurostars, Horizon Europe, and the PPP subsidy.
“1NA’s journey is a powerful example of why we launched the International Kickstarter Call. It’s not just about supporting the development of new technologies; it’s about building a foundation for globally connected impact-driven innovation. 1NA did exactly that by bridging U.S. academic excellence with Dutch industrial strength.” - Annebel Hendrix, Program Coördinator Health~Holland
Taking the International Kickstarter opportunity
1NA learned about the Kickstarter Call through the Unlock Incubation Program in Leiden, which exposed them to various funding streams aligned with the Dutch Innovation Agenda. The Kickstarter Call stood out for its clear relevance to 1NA’s areas of impact: cancer, dementia, antibiotic resistance, and rare diseases. “What truly tipped the scales was the approachable support we received from Health~Holland when inquiring about eligibility,” saus Ostrofet. “That initial, encouraging interaction gave us the confidence to apply, an essential boost for any young company navigating grant processes for the first time.”
Early outcomes and long-term impact
For the International Kickstarter, 1NA partnered with Geraldine Farge’s research group, which has extensive experience in single-molecule techniques applied to proteins involved in mitochondrial function and related pathologies. Geraldine’s dual role made the collaboration especially valuable: not only is she a scientific expert capable of using our technology effectively, but she also has a strong network that includes key opinion leaders in mitochondrial diseases and close ties to a company pioneering new therapies in that field.
1NA had three main goals for this collaboration: (1) to develop a proof-of-principle device and generate data demonstrating our platform’s relevance for drug development. (2) to tap into new networks, and (3) to establish a precedent for international collaboration to boost our project's credibility.
Though still mid-project, 1NA has already validated its prototype and completed its first proof-of-concept assays: strong early indicators of success.
Have a look at the project here!
“Beyond the technical achievements, the Kickstarter Call served as a catalyst. It was one of two initial funding instruments (alongside the Biotech Booster funding) that laid the groundwork for a wave of subsequent funding wins, including MIT R&D, KWF PPP, Holland High Tech PPP, Innowwide, and Eurostars. This momentum helped us confidently navigate more competitive grant environments, such as a convertible loan from UNIIQ, and deepened our alignment with broader Dutch innovation and policy goals. It also strengthened our ability to frame our technology’s societal relevance, a skill that has paid off in further partnership and funding discussions.” - Ostrofet
Advice: Considering the Call? Apply!
Ostrofet strongly recommends the International Kickstarter Call to other startups. Here’s why:
- The financial commitment is accessible for early-stage companies.
- The funding allocated to a foreign partner is modest enough to deter opportunistic collaborations, while enabling genuine ones.
- The planning and co-writing process fosters strong partner engagement and lays a solid foundation for successful execution.
- It adds significant credibility and increased visibility, particularly because funded international collaborations are rare and typically hard to secure.
- The first-come, first-served format lowers the entry barrier and allows applicants to “learn by doing,” an invaluable opportunity for early-stage teams.
The International Kickstarter Call is now open!
Seize this opportunity to kickstart your international collaboration in life sciences & health.
Apply before 25 September 2025 and unlock the potential of global partnerships.
Learn more about the International Kickstarter Call
