Objective
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, yet drug development is hampered by the lack of predictive human models that capture cardiac function. In particular, diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction represent major unmet medical needs, partly because current preclinical models inadequately reproduce human cardiac physiology. This HEARTPUMP project aims to explore the innovation potential of the Multi-Heart Plate (MHP), a novel human stem cell-based platform developed in the ERC Advanced Grant HEART2BEAT. The MHP consists of miniature engineered cardiac chambers capable of pumping fluid and generating quantitative functional readouts such as cardiac output, ejection fraction and relaxation kinetics. This enables direct assessment of cardiac performance and drug responses in a physiologically relevant human model. HEARTPUMP will combine technical validation and commercial feasibility activities. Technically, we will demonstrate the reproducibility and robustness of the platform, develop and validate a diastolic dysfunction disease model, and establish a drug screening portfolio to benchmark predictive performance against existing models. Workflow optimization, including automated data analysis and assay standardization will further improve scalability and usability for drug discovery. In parallel, we will engage with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and contract research organizations to assess industry requirements and obtain early feedback. Intellectual property strategy and market analysis will be conducted with technology transfer experts to evaluate commercial opportunities and guide the development of a business plan. Together, these activities will demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of the MHP platform and establish the basis for its translation into cardiovascular drug discovery, potentially through creation of a spin-out company or alternative commercialization pathways.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
7522 NB Enschede
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.