The STEP4NAMs Training & Support Programme is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative designed to accelerate the adoption in the BioPharma and MedTech sectors.
The programme equips stakeholders across the value chain with the scientific knowledge, technical skills and strategic guidance necessary to implement NAMs effectively and sustainably. The programme is structured into three complementary pillars:
- EDUCATE – Interactive Online Training
- ENABLE – Tailor-Made SME Support (for SMEs and Startups only)
- APPLY – Challenge-based NAM implementation (for SMEs and Startups only)
Together, these pillars provide a pathway from foundational knowledge to practical implementation and industrial collaboration.
Learn more about the programme at our Information webinars
Second webinar about the ENABLE & APPLY pillars of training programme is available here:
Webinar recording
First webinar about the training & support programme in general is available here:
Webinar recording
EDUCATE – Interactive Online Training
The EDUCATE programme forms the theoretical
backbone.
Trough our Moodle platform, it offers flexible, expert-led training
for everybody.
Structure
of the EDUCATE Programme
1.
Core Introductory Module
The Core-Module is fully available: Read more 1h 55 min
This module covers cross-cutting fundamentals, including:
- What are NAMs?
- Regulatory landscape and acceptance
- Ethics and innovation in NAMs
- Cross-sectoral applications
- Benefits, limitations and implementation potential
2.
Specialised Sub-Modules
All Sub-Modules are available: Read more 28h 10min
Participants select one or more of the following in-depth modules:
Certification
Participants who pass the final assessment
(≥80%) receive a certificate for each completed module.
Certification is a prerequisite for participation in the ENABLE and APPLY
programmes.
ENABLE – Tailor-Made SME Support
The ENABLE programme translates knowledge into
practice. It provides selected SMEs with structured, high-value support to
accelerate their NAM implementation strategy.
Who can apply?
Specifically designed for SMEs and startups as specified in the EU's definition of SMEs
:
Overview SME Self-assessment
Selection
is based on:
- Innovation potential and relevance to NAMs
- Market readiness (TRL level and feasibility)
- Expected impact on growth and competitiveness
- Capacity and motivation to implement outcomes
- Contribution to European NAM ecosystems
The three ENABLE support formats
ENABLE consists of three separate support
formats, each with its own application process, allowing SMEs to apply
according to their specific needs and interests. It provides structured,
practical support to help SMEs overcome scientific, technical and regulatory
barriers in NAM adoption.
1. On-site Training at Atlantic Technological
University (Ireland)
Hands-on training focused on medical imaging,
device prototyping and applied NAM use in MedTech, delivered in a real clinical
and technical environment.
2. On-site Training at 3R Center Tübingen
(Germany)
Specialised on-site training on advanced NAM
technologies with a strong focus on
introducing organ-on-chip technology, microfluidics, and biomaterials.
3. SME Consulting & One-to-One Support
Individual consulting support tailored to
company-specific challenges in NAM implementation.
APPLY – Challenge-based NAM implementation
The APPLY programme is a challenge-based
competition designed to foster SME–industry collaboration and
accelerate real-world NAM implementation.
Who can apply?
Specifically designed for SMEs and startups as specified in the EU's definition of SMEs
:
Overview SME Self-assessment
- Completion of an EDUCATE module
- Minimum TRL 4
- Dedicated team capacity (0.5–2 FTE)
- Strong innovation and execution capability
Concept
Large and mid-sized BioPharma and MedTech
companies act as Challenge Providers. The challenges are published
through open calls, allowing SMEs to apply to the challenge(s) that match their
expertise and technology focus. Selected SMEs co-develop solutions together
with the Challenge Provider, addressing concrete industrial needs and advancing
NAM implementation towards market readiness.
What selected SMEs receive
- Four months of structured mentoring
- A dedicated training package (valued at €3,000 per SME)
- On-site collaboration with the Challenge Provider (travel voucher included)
- Opportunities to connect with investors and manufacturers
- Visibility at final dissemination events and European innovation platforms
.
.