i4KIDS launches its 2026–2028 phase with a Kickoff Meeting that brings together 60 members of the hub in Barcelona
The paediatric and maternal health innovation hub i4KIDS held its Kickoff Meeting on 27 February, marking the launch of its new call for the 2026–2028 period. The session, aimed exclusively at member entities and professionals of the network, took place at the Tech Barcelona (Pier 07) auditorium and brought together 60 representatives from academic, hospital and industry institutions linked to innovation in paediatrics and maternal health.
The event was opened by Fátima Nuñez, Deputy Director of Innovation, Research and Learning at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, and Lourdes Puigbarraca, Deputy Director of Knowledge Transfer and Society at the Directorate-General for Knowledge Transfer and Society of the Department of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia. Both highlighted the importance of collaboration to drive meaningful, high‑impact transfer of research to the market, as well as the relevance of instruments such as i4KIDS in generating synergies and energising the ecosystem.
A consolidated network with a strategic vision
The renewal of i4KIDS as an R&D&I network in paediatric and maternal innovation (2026–2028) confirms its consolidation as one of the most relevant European hubs in this field. The evaluation report highlights its scientific excellence and impact, supported by the 2024 National Award for the Promotion of Knowledge Transfer and by a community made up of 110 research groups and 52 collaborating entities.
The i4KIDS model, transversal and interdisciplinary, connects the entire value chain of innovation —from basic research to market adoption— and is strongly committed to international projection through initiatives such as i4KIDS‑EUROPE, as well as impact‑investment instruments such as the Montana Impact Fund, driven by Ship2B Ventures.
Presentation of the objectives and activities for the new period
During the Kickoff Meeting, the i4KIDS team presented the strategic objectives and priority activities planned for the next three years. Among the most notable milestones announced were:
- New editions of the i4KIDS Acceleration Programme, a key initiative to support projects on their path to market.
- The Paediatric Innovation Day, to be held on 18 February in Helsinki, together with an international mission aimed at strengthening connections with the Nordic ecosystem.
- The second edition of the Paediatric Investment Forum, focused on promoting investment in paediatric solutions.
- The renewal of the collaboration with Biocat to incorporate paediatric and maternal health–focused projects into the CRAASH programme.
- The second edition of Impact4kids, developed in partnership with Impact1 – Stanford Biodesign.
In addition, new initiatives were introduced, such as the Patient Driven Innovation Programme, aimed at integrating patients and their families into innovation processes. Activities geared towards internationalisation and investor engagement were also highlighted, including the Meet the Investor forum.
A space for connection and dialogue for the i4KIDS community
The Kickoff Meeting concluded with a round of questions and open dialogue among participants, providing an opportunity to share suggestions, concerns and potential avenues for collaboration.
With this gathering, i4KIDS officially embarks on a new stage marked by strategic projects, international growth and a strong commitment to innovation that directly impacts the lives of patients and their families.
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