The Challenge aims to translate advances in ageing research into tangible biotechnology-based or pharmaceutical solutions for healthy ageing. It focuses on preventing, delaying or reversing age-related diseases and on developing tools that can support the responsible development and deployment of such interventions.

Three areas are supported:

Projects should develop a proof of concept in one of the following areas:

1. Preventive or therapeutic interventions
   • Target fundamental molecular or cellular mechanisms of ageing, such as cellular senescence or loss of proteostasis.
   • Address a specific age-related disease.
   • Demonstrate proof of concept in a physiologically aged vertebrate animal model.
   • Show that the intervention could have broader applicability beyond the primary disease.
   • Include a credible path towards clinical testing and exploitation.

2. Biomarker-based tools
   • Develop tools based on existing biomarker candidates or ageing clocks; new biomarker discovery is excluded.
   • Combine multiple molecular, physiological, anatomical, biochemical or digital measurements.
   • Provide robust and personalised insights into the ageing process.
   • Validate the tool retrospectively using suitable longevity cohorts.

3. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
   • Develop alternatives to conventional animal-based preclinical research.
   • Examples include organoids, organ-on-chip systems, digital twins, virtual patient simulations and AI-enhanced predictive models.
   • The methodology should capture the systemic nature of ageing across multiple tissues/cellular processes.
   • It must be benchmarked against a relevant animal model and demonstrated in a clearly defined use case

Funding: €0.5-4 million per project, with 100% funding.

Deadline: 28 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

Total budget: Approximately €25 million.