From next-generation ideas to real-world change

Do you have an innovative idea that could improve the health, wellbeing, and opportunities of children and young adults?

Healthy Start is looking for ambitious Sprint Projects that bring together different disciplines, sectors, and perspectives to address the complex challenges that shape children’s lives. Whether you want to explore a promising new idea, translate knowledge into practice, or develop innovative educational initiatives, we invite you to apply.

At Healthy Start, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their full potential. Yet health and wellbeing are strongly influenced by circumstances in early life, including parental health, family stress, and the social and physical environment. Through targeted prevention and a strong collaboration between science and practice, we work towards a future in which every child has equal opportunities for a healthy start.

Sprint Projects are designed to stimulate creativity, foster new collaborations, and accelerate impactful solutions. We particularly encourage projects that bridge disciplines, connect academic and societal partners, and contribute to sustainable change.

Three types of projects

We welcome proposals for three types of projects: Innovation Projects, Implementation Projects and Education Projects

Who can apply?

• Academic staff (researchers and educators) from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, and TU Delft
• Societal non-academic partners

Funding, planning and deadline

• Budget per project: €5,000 – €20,000
• Project period: 1 January – 31 December 2027
• Submission deadline: Friday 18 September 2026, 11:00 AM CEST

Ready to make an impact?

Download the full call text and application form below and submit your proposal. We look forward to supporting ideas that can help create a healthier, more equitable future for every child and young adult.