Announcing the Reimagining Human Model Systems QuickFire Challenge

September 28, 2026 - Today, Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of the Reimagining Human Model Systems QuickFire Challenge. The initiative invites innovators worldwide, with an interest in leveraging the Singapore ecosystem, to submit their ideas for novel, scalable, physiologically relevant tissue model systems with the potential to more accurately mimic human biology and provide qualified alternatives to traditional animal models.

Selected finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their science to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine R&D leadership and partners in an invite-only poster showcase in San Francisco during the week of January 10-14, 2027. The innovators with the most promising potential solutions aligned to this QuickFire Challenge will have the opportunity to receive up to $100,000 in award funding.^*

Increasingly used in drug discovery and development, advanced human model systems, such as organoids, lab-on-a-chip, three-dimensional cell cultures, and microphysiological systems have the potential to transform our approach to biomedical research.¹ When coupled with recent advances in artificial intelligence, computational analysis, and high-throughput screening techniques, existing variable and manual systems for study are being replaced with AI-ready human relevant models that can be applied at scale.^2,3,4

By providing qualified alternative models for toxicology risk assessment and safety testing, these promising new technologies and methods aim to recreate more realistic experimental models to help further our understanding of disease mechanisms in vivo.⁵

In addition, by replicating human physiology, pharmacology, metabolism, and mechanisms of toxicity, these platforms can help advance the speed and efficiency of the drug development process, predict response to therapies, and may lead to more targeted treatments for patients.⁶ These efforts are further supported by regulatory and advisory initiatives across the United States, European Union, and Asia Pacific, including Singapore, that reflect growing global momentum for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and other innovative, human-relevant approaches.^7,8,9

Visit the challenge webpage for more information on specific areas of interest. Special consideration will be given to biologically characterized, reproducible models with demonstrated pharmacological or toxicological relevance and evidence of correlation with human clinical outcomes. Preference will be given to scalable models with the potential to support AI/ML-enabled, high-throughput predictive capabilities.

The deadline to apply is October 23, 2026: https://jji.jnj/ReimaginingQFC

About Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson works across the innovative medicine and medical technology sectors to accelerate early-stage, transformational solutions by catalyzing the best ideas, wherever they are in the world. We do this by harnessing our deep scientific capabilities coupled with a wide range of tools, including customized deal structures, company creation, incubation and startup services, capital investments and other innovative business models that aim to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, scientists, and emerging companies. Our goal is to help life science and health technology innovations thrive through collaboration and partnership with the global ecosystem, so that together we can change the trajectory of human health. Meet our passionate team of science and technology experts and learn how to collaborate with us at www.jnjinnovation.com.