REALfund image: Woman Central European with additional informations about the REALfund.

Turn your great idea into a real solution.

Every day a growing number of people worldwide rely on advances and innovations to better their quality of life. That is why Linde Healthcare, long-term partner of healthcare providers and patients, founded the REALfund. REAL stands for Research Evolve Advance Lead.

Thank you for your continuing interest in the REALFund.

Following the formation of Linde PLC, we are presently reviewing how better to support scientific and medical innovators and are not currently accepting applications. We will update this website with details on our new approach later this year. Once again thank you for your support.

Get up to €75k for your project

The fund provides research grants of up to €75,000 per project to researchers and innovators in the field of respiratory medicine. By doing so Linde Healthcare aims to bring the latest innovations in the field to those whose lives depends on them most: patients.

Realise your innovation

Do you have an innovative idea with a potentially life-changing impact on respiratory patients? Then you might have a chance at receiving money to help realising it. 

First, please ensure your idea fulfils all three of the following criteria:

  • belongs to the field of respiratory care 
  • has potential to be realised into products, services and treatment pathways within around 3 years 
  • can be protected by Intellectual Property (IP) rights or similar means 

If you answered yes to all of the above, we kindly ask you to verify your project falls into one of the following three categories. 

1. New indications and product innovations

Innovative projects for new therapeutic applications of our existing products and services play a key role in advancing patient care and outcomes. Specifically, we are looking for innovations that do one of the following: 

  • treat or prevent diseases and other physical disorders
  • enable early diagnosis 


Ultimately, your project should also benefit respiratory patients and reduce pressure on healthcare budgets.

2. Improving existing devices or innovative devices enabling new therapies

Making small, practical changes to existing devices and services can positively affect their acceptance, usability and adherence. For instance, your innovative idea might improve how: 

  • caregivers administer treatment
  • patients use devices at home


Similarly, you can submit an idea for an innovative new device. Examples include new ways to: 

  • promote safe, effective application
  • improve respiratory and gas-related therapies

3. New treatment pathways

We are challenged to develop concepts that improve effectiveness throughout the clinical pathway. Your innovation in this category should improve therapies’ delivery method and increase their safety and effectiveness. Ideally, your idea offers a better cost/benefit ratio.




How to apply

After you have confirmed your project fulfils all three criteria and falls into one of the three categories above, we invite you to apply online for a research grant. Perhaps you will soon have financing to pursue your great idea.



These short videos explain the REALfund

Find out more about the REALfund by listening to Ilias Tsimpoulis, Business Manager REMEO ®, describing the kind of innovations Linde is looking for along the integrated care path. Furthermore Bernold Beckenbauer, Innovation Manager, describes Linde’s commitment to innovation in pharmaceutical gases, medical devices, services and clinical care in respiratory medicine. Ailyn Kandora, Global Congress Manager, is talking about the tradition of innovation at Linde Healthcare. And finally Stefanie Kastner, Team Assistant, explains the application process and where to find more detailed information.