iDEA-TECH Awards 2025-2026

Q: What is the deadline for pre-proposal submissions? 

A: The pre-proposal submission deadline is December 12th, 2025. The portal generally closes at the end of the day, US time, so you should be able to submit until late evening Paris time. 

 

Q: Who should submit the pre-proposal - the researcher or the Technology Transfer Office (TTO)? 

A: We highly recommend that the TTO or business office submit pre-proposals on behalf of researchers. However, researchers can also submit directly. The TTO submission approach helps ensure completeness, maintains oversight of all institutional applications, and facilitates follow-up if proposals are selected for the next round. 

 

Q: Can I submit multiple pre-proposals? 

A: Yes, there is no limit to the number of applications you can submit. You are free to submit multiple proposals if they address different thematic areas or sub-categories. 

 

Q: What documents are required for the pre-proposal stage? 

A: The pre-proposal template is the only required document at this stage. We highly recommend including a biosketch of the Principal Investigator (PI), but it is not mandatory. 

 

Q: How should I handle the 30-character title limit on the platform? 

A: The 30-character title is an Agorize placeholder. You can use a generic title like "Institution_Surname PI_Keyword". The specific proposal titles in your submission documents are what reviewers will evaluate. 

Q: Are startups eligible to apply? 

A: Yes, all startups are eligible to apply for the iDEA-TECH program, regardless of whether they are university spinouts or independent companies. Startups do not need framework agreements. 

 

Q: Which academic institutions can participate in Europe? 

A: In Europe, public institutions such as universities require a framework agreement with Sanofi to participate. Only partner institutions listed on our website can submit applications. If your institution is not listed, we can explore adding them as a partner for future calls. 

 

Q: Can researchers from European institutions without framework agreements participate? 

A: Unfortunately, in Europe, researchers from non-partner institutions cannot submit proposals in the current round. However, we are open to adding new academic partners. Contact us to discuss framework agreement possibilities for future calls. 

 

Q: Are pre-seed stage startups eligible? 

A: Yes, pre-seed stage startups are eligible if they exist as a legal entity. However, the review will consider your capability to perform the project and reach the stated goals, so having appropriate support and environment will be important. 

Q: Can I include co-investigators in my proposal? 

A: Yes, but only one Principal Investigator (PI) is allowed per project. Co-investigators can be listed in the biosketch or in Section 4 of the pre-proposal template under "complementary information on project team." 

 

Q: Can my project involve collaborators from other institutions? 

A: Collaboration is possible but must be managed carefully: 

• Only one partner institute can submit the project 

• The submitting institution will hold the contract if awarded 

• Collaboration agreements between institutions must be arranged independently of Sanofi 
• Include a mitigation plan in case collaborators withdraw 

 

Q: Should pre-proposals contain confidential information? 

A: No, pre-proposals should not contain confidential information. Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) are established only when projects advance to the full proposal stage (Phase 2). 

Q: How do I know if my project fits the program scope? 

A: Review the detailed scope document available on our website. Projects should align with our focus areas: real-world evidence, novel modalities, advanced imaging, multi-omics, disease modeling, process innovation, and safety assessment. If your project partially aligns with one or several focus areas, we encourage you to submit a pre-proposal. 

 

Q: Can I discuss my project idea with Sanofi experts before submitting? 

A: During the pre-proposal stage, we cannot connect applicants with internal experts. However, if your project advances to Phase 2 (full proposal), we will assign a Sanofi Project Champion to help refine your proposal and ensure alignment with Sanofi's strategy. 

 

Q: Are therapeutic area-specific projects acceptable? 

A: While iDEA-TECH is driven by Technology, Digital, and AI platforms rather than specific therapeutic areas, projects targeting specific therapeutic areas during proof-of-concept stages are acceptable. 

Q: What is the award amount? 

A: 

• Europe: €120,000 for 1-year projects 

• North America: $150,000 USD inclusive of all costs 

• China: ¥1,000,000 (tax excluded) 

 

Q: Are there restrictions on indirect costs? 

A: We do not set a specific indirect cost rate. The award amount is inclusive of all costs. Institutions with different indirect cost structures may accomplish more or less with the award amount, which is a factor in our selection process. 

 

Q: Can the award fund postdoctoral salaries? 

A: Yes, the award can be used as the winning teams see fit to perform the project, including funding postdoctoral positions. 

Q: Will I have access to Sanofi platforms and compounds? 

A: iDEA-TECH projects should be executable by the applicant without requiring access to Sanofi's infrastructure or compounds. However, each awarded project receives a dedicated Sanofi Project Champion for scientific guidance throughout the project. 

 

Q: Can collaboration extend beyond the 12-month award period? 

A: If an iDEA-TECH project proves successful, further collaboration through Sponsored Research Agreements can be discussed toward the end of the 12-month period. 

 

Q: Do I need an NDA to work with Sanofi during application preparation? 

A: Pre-proposals should not contain confidential information, so NDAs are typically not needed during the application phase. CDAs are established when projects advance to the full proposal stage, and an NDA is included as part of the contracting stage for awarded projects. 

Q: I'm having trouble with the online submission platform. Who can help? 

A: Contact [email protected] for technical assistance or message us on the Agorize platform. Include your region (EU, NA, or China) in the subject line. We monitor all submissions for completeness and will reach out if clarification is needed. 

 

Q: Can I modify my submission after submitting? 

A: Contact the iDEA-TECH team immediately if you need to modify a submitted application. We will advise on the best approach based on your specific situation. 

 

Q: What if I missed the deadline? 

A: Unfortunately, late submissions cannot be accepted. However, we encourage you to apply for future calls, which are typically announced annually. 

Q: Who owns the intellectual property generated during the project? 

A: Background IP ownership resides with the owner; Sanofi is granted limited right to use the background IP in the performance of the proposed research. For arising IP, ownership follows inventorship with Sanofi granted a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, worldwide, fully paid up, royalty-free license to practice inventions made by the awardee during the award period for research, development, regulatory, and post-marketing clinical studies in some cases. Sanofi shall have an exclusive option exercisable during an option period to negotiate a license to Awardee’s arising Intellectual Property.

 

Q: How does the exclusive option work? 

A: 

• Partners cannot offer results to third parties during the option period 

• If Sanofi exercises the option, it triggers new negotiations for a further agreement 

• If Sanofi doesn't exercise the option within the period, partners are free to grant rights to third parties 

 

Q: What about publications? 

A: Publishing findings is a key program outcome. Sanofi requires limited review periods before submission to protect patentable information. Publications containing Sanofi confidential information must be revised to remove sensitive material or allow time for appropriate patent filing.