EIT Health InnoStars Connect is an open innovation and challenge-based collaboration programme that connects EIT Health InnoStars partners (challenge owners) with European healthcare stakeholders (startups, hospitals, universities, and SMEs) to address real-world healthcare challenges. A total of 10 teams will be selected through the call.
Challenges proposed by programme partners:
• Chiesi Group Challenge 1: Help treat lung problems in newborns (NRDS, BPD)
• Chiesi Group Challenge 2: Support care for preterm babies and their parents
• ULS de Coimbra Challenge 3: Improve hospital scheduling and appointment management
Who can apply?
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Research institutions
- SMEs – as defined by the European Commission
- European health sector startups with technology solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–9
Participants must have an established and registered representation/branch in:
- EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain.
- Horizon Europe Associated Countries: Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel.
- Outermost Regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte, and Saint Martin (France); Azores and Madeira (Portugal); Canary Islands (Spain).
Benefits of participating in the programme:
EIT Health InnoStars offers a lump sum of €10,000 per team to facilitate and support collaboration between participants and challenge owners. This funding must be used as follows:
• €6,000 for idea/product development
• €3,000 for travel to the bootcamp
• €1,000 for mentoring and coaching
Programme timeline:
• Call opening: 31 March 2025
• Application deadline: 30 May 2025
• Announcement of selected teams: End of June 2025
• First bootcamp cycle: September 2025 (on-site – visit to challenge owners’ headquarters)
• Second bootcamp cycle: November 2025 (online/on-site)
• Conclusion of activities and reporting: December 2025
More information about the programme is available at: https://eithealth.eu/programmes/innostars-connect/