ATMP Catalyst is a three-year acceleration programme dedicated to early-stage projects and startups in advanced therapies (cell, gene and tissue-engineered products). It supports scientific teams from research centres, universities and hospitals, as well as startups, to advance from early proof of concept towards preclinical development and clinical readiness. The programme is structured in three phases over approximately three years, with tailored entry and progression depending on the maturity of each project. Phase I focuses on TRL 2–3, helping teams to define their technological concept, develop first prototypes and carry out initial in vitro preclinical studies, while introducing key aspects of regulatory pathways, IP, financing and business basics. Phase II targets TRL 3–4 and supports experimental proof-of-concept validation, more advanced prototypes, mechanism-of-action studies and preliminary safety assessment, combined with deeper work on market feasibility, IP strategy and funding. Phase III aims at TRL 4–5, with technological validation in the lab, preclinical development activities, early regulatory interactions, scaling strategies and preparation of clinical trial design. Across all phases, participants receive specialised mentoring, 25–50 hours of individual expert sessions, targeted training (regulation, market access, IP, financing, business model) and facilitated access to subsidised lab spaces at Leitat and the Barcelona Science Park, as well as connections with investors, CDMOs, hospitals and international partners. The programme is delivered in English in a hybrid format (online and onsite in Barcelona).
Free of charge for those who have a link with the Catalan ecosystem.
The service is open to EIC beneficiaries and Seal of Excellence holders developing Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) or enabling technologies with clear potential for clinical translation. Priority is given to projects and startups with a solid scientific base and a clear path to preclinical and early clinical development, and to teams connected to the Catalan advanced therapies ecosystem. Participation in some activities requires physical presence in Barcelona (Leitat and Parc Científic de Barcelona). The programme is delivered in English and selection is competitive, based on scientific excellence, translational potential, team capacity and fit with the available infrastructure and mentoring resources.
Acceleration, Incubation & Venture building
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Is this the service you are looking for? If so, you can apply to the service through EIC ACCESS+! Eligible applicants can also get co-funding through the EIC ACCESS+ initiative. Find out more on the project webiste.
Receive up to €60,000 in grants, covering up to 50% of the costs, to access specialised services from the EIC Service Catalogue. Learn more on the EIC ACCESS+ website.