i4KIDS opens the call for the 2026 Acceleration Programme

i4KIDS has opened the call for the 3rd edition of its Acceleration Programme 2026, a six‑month initiative designed to fast‑track early‑stage innovations in fetal, paediatric and maternal health. The programme will select seven high‑potential projects and provide training, mentoring, expert consultancy and pitch preparation, culminating in a Demo Day in Barcelona in November 2026. Applications are open until 12 April 2026.

The i4KIDS Paediatric Innovation Hub, led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, is launching the call for applications for the 3rd edition of its i4KIDS Acceleration Programme 2026. This initiative, aimed at projects capable of transforming the future of children, mothers and families, will select seven proposals with high potential for impact in the fetal, paediatric and maternal health fields.

A programme designed to boost innovation in maternal and child health

Phase 1 (May – July)

During this phase, project teams will focus on:

Defining and strengthening their value proposition through specialised training in health innovation, business models, intellectual property, market access, regulation, clinical trials and patient engagement.
GAP Assessment, using reference methodologies such as the CIMIT/KTH innovation cycle, to identify gaps, needs and strategic priorities for each project.

By the end of Phase 1, each team will receive a detailed analysis that will guide the services and tailored support to be provided in the second phase.

Phase 2 (September – November)

The main objective of Phase 2 is to reduce project risk and increase maturity through:

Validation of the clinical need, supported by interviews and feedback from experts.
Personalised mentoring, adapted to the specific needs and challenges of each project.
Workshop focused on social and healthcare impact to enhance value creation.
Access to specialised consultancy (regulatory strategy, business strategy, intellectual property, technological feasibility, and market access).
Pitch preparation, including support in crafting and communicating an effective project presentation.

The programme will conclude with a Demo Day in Barcelona in November, where participating teams will pitch their projects to a committee of experts and key players in the innovation ecosystem.

Programme Timeline

9 March 2026: Call for applications opens.
12 April 2026 (23:59h): Application deadline.
End of April: Announcement of the seven selected projects.
4 May 2026: Programme kick-off.
November 2026: Demo Day.
18 December 2026: Programme closing.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include TRL 2–3 projects in the areas of MedTech, Digital Health, Biotech or Pharma, focused on maternal or paediatric health.
The call is open to teams belonging to research groups within the i4KIDS network. External teams may request inclusion by contacting contact@innovation4kids.org.

How to apply?

To submit an application, project teams must:

Complete the i4KIDS ACCELERATION PROGRAMME 2026_Form.
Send the form in PDF format to: contact@innovation4kids.org
Include in the email subject line: “Application i4KIDS Acceleration Programme 2026”
Submit all documents before 12 April 2026 at 23:59h.
Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated.

Once the call closes, an external expert panel will review all proposals and select seven projects, which will be publicly announced at the end of April.

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