The STEP4NAMs project is preparing to launch the APPLY programme, offering SMEs a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with leading BioPharma companies on real-world challenges related to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Among the first Challenge Providers participating in the programme are Sanofi and Ipsen, providing selected SMEs with direct access to industrial expertise and concrete use cases. Through this collaboration, participants will contribute to addressing real scientific and technological challenges while helping accelerate the adoption of NAMs across the BioPharma sector.
Collaborating with Industry Leaders
The APPLY programme is built around a challenge-based approach designed to foster collaboration between innovative SMEs and major industrial stakeholders.
By working alongside companies such as Sanofi and Ipsen, selected SMEs will have the opportunity to:
Address real industrial needs and use cases
- Co-develop innovative NAM-based solutions
- Gain valuable insights into industry expectations
- Validate technologies in a real-world context
- Expand their professional network within the European BioPharma ecosystem
This direct interaction between SMEs and industry creates an environment where innovation can move more rapidly from concept to implementation.
What is the APPLY Programme?
The APPLY programme is a challenge-based initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between SMEs and industry while accelerating the real-world adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
The journey begins with EDUCATE, an open-access online training platform that helps participants understand NAMs, their applications and the regulatory landscape.
SMEs wishing to move towards implementation can then join ENABLE, which provides tailored mentoring, technical guidance and practical support.
Finally, APPLY enables selected SMEs to work directly with industrial partners on concrete challenges, transforming knowledge and innovation into practical applications.
Real-World Challenges Driving Innovation
The APPLY programme offers a series of industrial challenges designed to accelerate the development and implementation of NAMs in BioPharma.
The 2026 edition will feature challenges covering key areas such as:
- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Models
- Organoids
- Organ-on-Chip Technologies
- Toxicity Testing
- ADME & Bioavailabilit
- Additional BioPharma-focused topics
These challenges provide SMEs with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise while contributing to solutions that address real industry needs.
What selected SMEs will receive
Successful applicants will benefit from a dedicated support package including:
- Four months of structured mentoring
- A dedicated training package
- Direct collaboration with Challenge Providers
- Opportunities to connect with investors and manufacturers
- Visibility through European innovation platforms and dissemination events
More than a competition, APPLY is designed to help SMEs accelerate the adoption and deployment of innovative NAM solutions.
Who Can Apply?
- Completion of the EDUCATE core module
- Minimum TRL 4
- Dedicated team capacity (0.5–2 FTE)
- Strong innovation and execution capability
Key Dates
- Open Call: June/August 2026
- August 2026 – Selection by Challenge Providers
- September 2026 – Collaboration begins
Get Ready to Apply
The STEP4NAMs APPLY programme offers SMEs a unique
opportunity to work directly with leading BioPharma companies, gain valuable
industry experience and contribute to the future implementation of New Approach
Methodologies.
About Sanofi and Ipsen:
Sanofi
Sanofi is an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth.
The company applies its deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Its team is guided by one purpose: chasing the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. This purpose inspires Sanofi to drive progress and deliver positive impact for its people and the communities it serves, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time.
Ipsen
Ipsen is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing transformative medicines to patients in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease, and Neuroscience.
Its pipeline is fueled by external innovation and supported by nearly 100 years of development experience and global hubs in the U.S., France, and the U.K. Teams in more than 40 countries and partnerships around the world enable Ipsen to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries.
