MSCA DN PhD positions in CanGoNano project

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Training Europe’s Next Generation in Glyconanomaterials

CanGoNano is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) bringing together universities, research institutes, and industry partners across Europe to explore a fast-emerging field: glyconanomaterials (GNMs).

The mission is straightforward but ambitious—design nanoscale systems built from carbohydrates that can interact with the immune system in highly specific ways. These systems could reshape how we approach cancer immunotherapy, vaccines, and targeted drug delivery.

Rather than focusing on a single discipline, CanGoNano sits at the crossroads of:

  • Chemistry and materials science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Glycobiology
  • Immunology

This interdisciplinary approach is also reflected in the structure of the programme: multiple doctoral candidates (DCs) working on complementary projects across Europe, each contributing a piece to the bigger picture.

What Are Glyconanomaterials?

Glyconanomaterials are nanostructures that incorporate carbohydrates (sugars) to mimic or influence biological processes. Because sugars play a key role in how cells communicate—especially in immune recognition—they are powerful tools for designing smarter therapeutics.

Applications being explored in CanGoNano include:

  • Targeted delivery of antigens and mRNA
  • Immune system modulation
  • Nanocarriers for precision medicine
  • Next-generation vaccine platforms

Doctoral Positions Across Europe

The CanGoNano network offers multiple PhD positions (Doctoral Candidates, DCs) hosted by leading institutions and companies. Each position focuses on a specific scientific angle while contributing to the shared goal of advancing glyconanomaterials.

Here is a high-level overview of the positions and their locations:

DC Projects

A Closer Look: Cyclodextrins at CarboHyde (DC-4)

Among the positions, DC-4 in Budapest highlights an important class of carbohydrate-based materials: cyclodextrins.

Hosted by CarboHyde, this project explores how cyclodextrins—ring-shaped sugar molecules—can be engineered into nanocarriers.

Their unique structure allows them to:

  • Encapsulate therapeutic molecules
  • Form supramolecular assemblies
  • Be chemically modified for targeting

In the context of CanGoNano, they are being developed into delivery platforms for biologics, including nucleic acids and immune-active compounds.

Training Beyond the Lab

A defining feature of CanGoNano is its training philosophy. Doctoral candidates are not only conducting research—they are part of a structured programme that includes:

  • International secondments across partner institutions
  • Exposure to both academic and industrial environments
  • Training in entrepreneurship, communication, and innovation
  • Collaboration within a tightly connected European network

This ensures graduates are prepared for careers in biotech, pharma, and advanced materials research.

Looking Forward

CanGoNano reflects a broader shift in science: moving from isolated discoveries toward integrated, application-driven research ecosystems.

By combining:

  • cutting-edge nanotechnology
  • the biological specificity of carbohydrates
  • and strong academic–industry collaboration

the project aims to unlock new strategies for treating complex diseases.

And just as importantly, it is building a cohort of researchers equipped to carry those innovations forward.

Small-Scale Innovation Investment at Carbohyde Zrt

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We are pleased to announce that Carbohyde Zrt. has received funding under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Program Plus, specifically through the GINOP_PLUSZ-2.1.3-24 call for proposals! 🚀 The project aims to introduce innovations in the company’s manufacturing and marketing processes. As part of this, a digitally supported, partially automated manufacturing model will be implemented, increasing capacity utilization and reducing external dependencies. Additionally, a new data-driven marketing model will be developed, enabling scalable and measurable campaigns.

As part of the project, Carbohyde Zrt. has received a grant of 40,724,066 HUF. The project started on December 1, 2025, with a planned completion date of November 30, 2026.

The development is co-financed by the European Union and the Hungarian state, contributing to the increased competitiveness of the Hungarian economy. 🌍💡

Let’s Build Hungary Together! 🇭🇺

Kisléptékű innovációs beruházás a Carbohyde Zrt.-nél 

Örömmel értesítjük partnereinket, hogy a Carbohyde Zrt. elnyerte a Gazdaságfejlesztési és Innovációs Operatív Program Plusz keretében meghirdetett GINOP_PLUSZ-2.1.3-24 azonosító számú pályázat támogatását! 🚀 A projekt célja, hogy a vállalkozás gyártási és marketingfolyamatai között innovációkat vezessen be. Ennek részeként digitálisan támogatott, részben automatizált gyártási modell kerül bevezetésre, amely növeli a kapacitáskihasználást és csökkenti a külső függőséget. Ezen kívül egy új, adatvezérelt marketingmodell is kialakításra kerül, amely skálázható, mérhető kampányokat tesz lehetővé.

A projekt keretében a Carbohyde Zrt. 40 724 066 Ft támogatásban részesült. A projekt kezdete 2025. december 1., a befejezés tervezett dátuma pedig 2026. november 30.

A fejlesztés az Európai Unió és a magyar állam társfinanszírozásával valósul meg, és hozzájárul a magyar gazdaság versenyképességének növeléséhez. 🌍💡

Építsük együtt Magyarországot! 🇭🇺

CarboHyde wins Eurostars to develop a novel Alzheimer drug

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We are happy and proud to finally announce that CarboHyde won a 2024-1.2.7-EUROSTARS-2025-00007 grant and shall receive ~190,000k Eur to develop a novel cyclodextrin-based Alzheimer asset.

The development will be done in a consortium involving Renatus and Ajou University.

The novel mechanism of action focuses on cholesterol modulation in this neurodegenerative disease and will aim to complete most IND enabling preclinical studies so that regulatory filings and clinical studies can begin shortly.

Do you want to join CarboHyde?

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Next year, we will initiate the “CanGoNano” project with partners from all around Europe and open several PhD positions.

CangoNano is a training network on glyconanomaterials as precision tools to unveil key insights on the triggering of the antigen presenting cells against cancer.

At CarboHyde, you will have the opportunity
– to master cyclodextrin chemistry and synthesis
– travel around Europe and learn from other teams too
– network broadly in the global pharma community
– join a uniquely operating and extraordinary team
– learn the backstage secrets of operating a small pharma company

Become the next generation of uniquely skilled researchers in glycoscience!

We will start the recruitment shortly, yet if you are interested or know someone who might be, drop us a line and a CV to info@carbohyde.com.

CanGoNano

Kick-off meeting of the EU project “Bicyclos”

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The kick-off meeting of the EU project “Bicyclos,” a Staff Exchanges program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, was a resounding success. The meeting brought together a diverse group of enthusiastic participants, each representing their respective institutions and showcasing their previous work relevant to the Bicyclos project.

Participants from various research institutions and universities across Europe gathered to discuss the exciting prospects of collaboration in cyclodextrins research. As they introduced themselves, they highlighted their affiliations and previous work that directly related to the goals of Bicyclos. The collective energy and passion in the room were palpable, underlining the participants’ eagerness to contribute to this innovative project.

The event was very well organized by the project coordinator, Ilse Manet from CNR, who ensured that all participants had a clear understanding of the project’s objectives and timeline. Her attention to detail and commitment to a smooth kickoff set a positive tone for the meeting. The extra presentations on open science and data management will also be useful for the team members.

To foster team bonding and create an enjoyable atmosphere, the participants enjoyed a delightful dinner in the inner city of Bologna. This provided an opportunity for informal discussions and further strengthened the connections among the project members.

Looking ahead, the participants eagerly anticipated the next face-to-face meeting scheduled for October 2024 in Budapest. This meeting promises to be an important milestone in the project’s progress and will provide an opportunity for more in-depth collaboration and knowledge exchange.

CarboHyde was represented by Milo Malanga, CSO, and Gergely Toth, CFO.  For our company, Bicyclos presents a tremendous opportunity to advance research on cyclodextrins. The project not only facilitates the learning of their colleagues but also broadens their perspective on cyclodextrins research. It is clear that Bicyclos is not just a project but a transformative endeavor with great promise for all involved.

Team members:
CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR), the Coordinator
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
CarboHyde Ltd.
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
Hacettepe Üniversitesi
Technological University Dublin
MD USE INNOVATIONS SL
CellDynamics
Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem

hereinafter, jointly referred to as “Beneficiaries”

University of Buenos Aires
Cyclarity Therapeutics