i4KIDS opens the call for the Acceleration Programme 2025

i4KIDS has launched its Acceleration Programme 2025, a six-month initiative designed to support five early-stage projects (TRL 2–4) in the fields of paediatric and maternal health. Through tailored training, mentoring, and expert consultancy, the programme aims to help research groups and start-ups validate their solutions and prepare them for successful market entry.

The i4KIDS Paediatric Innovation Hub, coordinated by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, has officially opened the call for applications for the i4KIDS Acceleration Programme 2025, an initiative offering tailored support to five innovative projects in paediatric, fetal and maternal health led by members of the i4KIDS network.

Open to both academic research groups and early-stage start-ups, the programme is designed to accelerate high-impact solutions at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 2 to 4). Selected teams will benefit from expert training, strategic mentoring, and access to consultancy services to strengthen the path from idea to market.

A six-month journey to validate and valorise innovation

The programme is structured over six months and divided into two tailored phases:

Validation Phase (2 June – 31 July 2025)

During this stage, teams will receive:

Specialised training in IP, MDR regulation, business models, clinical trials, patient engagement, and market access.
A GAP assessment to identify development needs.
A customised support plan, defined in collaboration with mentors and the i4KIDS team.

Valorisation Phase (16 September – 19 December 2025)

Includes:

Needs validation through clinical expert interviews.
One-on-one mentoring to guide strategic development.
Impact workshops to strengthen collaboration and project positioning.
Expert consultancy in regulation, business planning, IP, and more.
Pitch deck preparation to help communicate the project effectively.

The programme will culminate in a final event during the Paediatric Innovation Day, on 20 November 2025 in Barcelona.

Who can apply?

This call is exclusively open to i4KIDS member research groups whose projects meet the following criteria:

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 2 and 4
Working within MedTech, Digital Health, Biotech, or Pharma sectors
Targeting paediatric (from fetal to 21 years), fetal or maternal health
Led by a committed team (at least two people) available for full programme participation

How to apply?

To apply, candidates must complete the i4KIDS ACCELERATION PROGRAMME 2025_Form. This form must be filled and sent in PDF format to the emails address: raquel.batlle@sjd.es and contact@innovation4kids.org indicating in the Subject: “Application Acceleration Programme 2025”.

Applications must be sent before May, 18th, 2025 at 11:59 PM CEST.

Selected projects will be announced by the end of May.

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