ICON (Interdisciplinair Coöperatief Onderzoek) is a projecttype where a dedicated and balanced consortium develops new purpose-fit technology, knowledge, or insight, thereby contributing to economic or societal added value in Flanders.  The consortium consists of at least 3 independent Flemish enterprises and at least 1 research & technology organization.  The Flemish industrial parties can obtain support from VLAIO (Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen).

Flanders.health supports VLAIO and is responsible for the programme management of ICONs on Personalized Medicine.
Flanders.health organizes information sessions, offers support with partner matching / consortium building ("Connect") and counsels the establishment of projects ("Carry" and "Cultivate").

The pilot-call "Personalised Medicine" targets the following goals:

1. Build-up of profound, validated knowledge regarding data, biomarkers, and the analysis thereof:

• More widespread availability of data, access to data, better data quality, …

• Improved knowledge and analysis in Flanders of biomarker and pharmacogenomic data of individual patients (or cohorts) for the purpose of diagnostics and treatment. 

2. Enablement of a broader application of personalized medicine through innovative clinical studies and personalized technologies:

• Broadening/acceleration of innovative clinical studies in Flanders - studies making use of biomarker / genetically stratified patient groups and/or personalized therapies - for further validation of (pre)clinical and pharmacogenic markers and the collection of supplementary data.

• Development of advanced, personalized technologies for use in research, production, logistics, ... to bring personalized therapies to the patient in a controlled manner.

Priority will be given to diseases with a high medical need and/or a large economic or societal impact

More information about the current call can be found on:

https://www.vlaio.be/nl/subsidies-financiering/personalised-medicine-icons

Information session have been held.  Registration is no longer possible, but the presentation and a webinar recording are still available.