This press release was jointly issued by Amgen and NSG BioLabs.
NETRI, a TechBio company combining human neuron-based technology and AI-powered analytics to improve drug development, has been named the winner of the 2026 Amgen x NSG BioLabs Golden Ticket in Singapore. The award is part of a joint programme by Amgen, a leader in biologic medicines, and NSG BioLabs, Singapore's leading provider of biotechnology co-working laboratories and offices.
Now in its fifth year, the Golden Ticket programme supports high-potential biotechnology startups by providing access to world-class infrastructure, expert mentorship and strategic resources that help accelerate innovation and strengthen pathways from discovery to real-world impact. As this year's recipient, NETRI will receive a one-year residency at NSG BioLabs, including access to certified BSL-2 laboratory facilities, as well as networking opportunities through Amgen's ecosystem of scientific and business leaders.
NETRI was selected following an interactive pitch session reviewed by Amgen and NSG's scientific committee. The company impressed judges with its innovative approach to one of drug development's most enduring challenges: predicting whether potential therapies will be safe and effective before they enter clinical trials. Its proprietary human neuron-based neurofluidics platform combines New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) technology with AI-powered analytics to deliver earlier, more predictive insights, helping researchers make faster, better-informed decisions while reducing reliance on animal testing. Together, these strengths distinguished NETRI as the 2026 Golden Ticket winner.
"NETRI stood out for its innovative approach to addressing a significant challenge in drug development and for the strength of its scientific vision," said Dr Alan Russell, Vice President, Large Molecule Discovery, and Head, R&D Technology & Innovation at Amgen. "The company reflects the kind of thinking that can help advance how new medicines are developed and evaluated. At Amgen, we believe great science reaches its full potential when it can be translated into meaningful patient impact. Through the Golden Ticket programme, we are proud to support innovators whose ideas have the potential to advance science and improve how future therapies are developed."
Hasyim Sim, Chief Operating Officer at NSG BioLabs, added: "Biotech startups need more than laboratory space. They need an environment where they can move quickly, learn from experienced partners and build momentum at critical stages of growth. That is what the Golden Ticket programme is designed to provide. As Singapore's biotech ecosystem continues to evolve, it has been encouraging to see each Golden Ticket cohort advance their science, build partnerships and strengthen their pathways to commercialization. We are excited to support companies like NETRI as they take the next step in translating promising innovation into real-world impact."
Thibault Honegger, CEO and Co-founder, NETRI said: "We are honoured to receive the Amgen x NSG BioLabs Golden Ticket, which marks an important step in the international deployment of NETRI’s Neuron-as-a-Sensor technology. Our goal is to use human neurons as functional biological sensors to generate decision-grade insights for preclinical safety and drug discovery, helping pharmaceutical teams better predict safety and efficacy before clinical trials. Singapore offers a highly strategic environment for this next phase, combining world-class biotech infrastructure, access to dynamic cell biology capabilities, strong AI-driven drug discovery ecosystems and proximity to regional partners. Through NSG BioLabs and the opportunity to engage with Amgen’s scientific and business teams, we aim to strengthen the robustness, transferability and regulatory readiness of our platform, supporting the broader adoption of New Approach Methodologies in drug development"
NETRI joins a growing list of previous Golden Ticket recipients in Singapore, including Singzyme, PairX Bio, VerImmune and Albatroz Therapeutics. These companies have leveraged the programme’s access, expertise and visibility to further their research, raise funding, and expand partnerships.
Powering Biotech from Discovery to Impact
The award presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers from Amgen, the Singapore Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore, and EDBI (arm of SG Growth Capital, investment platform of EDB and Enterprise Singapore) who shared perspectives on what it takes to move promising biotech innovations from the laboratory to real-world patient impact. The discussion underscored that while scientific excellence is a critical foundation, the ability to make informed decisions, establish strategic partnerships early, and access the right ecosystem support are equally important in advancing innovation. Panellists also highlighted the value of a collaborative ecosystem that brings together research capabilities, talent, capital, industry networks and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to help biotech companies accelerate development and grow from Singapore onto the global stage.
"Singapore's biotech ecosystem is entering a new phase of maturity, with a growing pipeline of companies translating world-class science into globally relevant innovation,” said Jolene Ooi, Partner, EDBI. “Realising the full potential of breakthrough science requires long-term commitment, strategic partnerships and access to the right expertise at every stage of growth. We remain committed to working across the biotech ecosystem to help the next generation of globally competitive biotech companies scale from Singapore to global markets."
For more information on the Golden Ticket programme, visit NSG Bio Tomorrow.
