Advanced Innovation Challenges- Pilot
What is the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges ?
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges aim to support high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential especially in areas where there is extensive research but lack of commercial uptake.
This pilot aims to assess whether competitive, stage-gated support can accelerate the path to market for high-risk deep tech innovations, and whether early integration of demand-side actors can enhance the relevance, validation, and ultimately the uptake of breakthrough solutions. The pilot will provide evidence on whether these mechanisms lead to more efficient innovation cycles and broader market adoption than other instruments within Horizon Europe.
The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges are shaped and steered by EIC Programme Managers, in collaboration with users and ecosystem actors, to ensure strong alignment between cutting-edge science, demand, and policy priorities.
2026 Challenge 2: Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice
NAMs have the potential to replace, reduce or refine animal use in the testing of medicinal products. This Challenge competition therefore looks to accelerate the adoption of NAMs in biomedicine and support companies that want to bring NAMs to the market.
Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge 2026
Animal-free science is the science of the future.
Unfortunately, promising animal-free research models often fail in the Valley of Death: the infamous gap between scientific research and practical application. But we have a game-changing answer: the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge 2026. Are you ready to take your animal-free innovation to the next level? Then register for the sixth edition of the Animal-Free Venture Challenge!
The Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge is the programme in which we help scientists take their human-centred, animal-free innovations out of the lab and prepare them for the market. In collaboration with the GameChanger Challenge, teams receive coaching, workshops and guidance to turn their ideas into concrete business plans. We are the initiator and organiser behind the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge. The Universitas Foundation has been funding the challenge for years and will remain the main sponsor in 2026.
Participate now
Scientists based in the Netherlands can participate in the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge in teams of at least 3 and a maximum of 5 people. Are you working on an animal-free product, process or service within the life sciences? Register yourself and your team for the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge before January 5th, 2026 and turn your innovation into a company!
Past Events
BioFIT: Rethink Health Innovation — Shaping the Future of Testing in Europe
Location: Parc des exposition de Strasbourg – Hall 1, Room 3, Avenue Herrenschmidt, 67000 Strasbourg, FRANCE
STEP4NAMs workshop - how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)—from organoids and 3D-printed models to organ-on-chip and digital twins—are transforming drug and medical device testing across North-West Europe.
- Hear from policy, industry, and academic experts on overcoming barriers to NAM adoption.
- Gain exclusive insights from the latest STEP4NAMs research and stakeholder interviews.
- Discuss real-world challenges, such as fragmented infrastructure and limited funding, and explore innovative strategies to overcome them.
- Connect with a cross-border network of innovators driving ethical, efficient, and sustainable healthcare.
Programme
10:00 – Introduction and overview of the STEP4NAMs project and its relevance to the BioFIT audience
10:10 – Presentation: key findings from STEP4NAMs´ desk research analysis and stakeholder interviews limiting the uptake of NAMs
10:35 – Panel discussion: Barriers and opportunities identified in STEP4NAMs analysis with representatives from industry, academia and policy
10:55 – Closing & Next Steps: Summary of insights and invitation to stay engaged with STEP4NAMs initiative