i4KIDS renews its recognition as an R&D&I network in pediatric and maternal innovation until 2028

The Department of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia, through the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR), has decided to renew its support for i4KIDS, the network for innovation in pediatric and maternal health coordinated by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, for a new three-year period (2026–2028).

According to the evaluation report, i4KIDS has consolidated itself as one of Europe’s leading references in pediatric innovation, with a successful track record, awards such as the 2024 National Award for the Promotion of Knowledge Transfer, and growing impact since its creation in 2021. The jury highlighted the excellence of the network, which currently brings together 110 research groups and 30 organizations from the academic, hospital, business, and investment sectors, as well as its ability to transform research into real solutions that improve child and maternal health.

A cross-cutting and high-impact network

The evaluation highlights the cross-cutting and interdisciplinary nature of the i4KIDS model, which connects all stakeholders in the value chain of innovation in pediatric and maternal health, from basic research to market application. Its internationalization and sustainability strategies have also been recognized, with initiatives such as i4KIDS-EUROPE, the promotion of impact investment instruments like the Montana Impact Fund, led by Ship2B Ventures, and the Impact4KIDS accelerator, in collaboration with Impact1 Stanford Biodesign.

A project with potential and a forward-looking vision

The program presented for this new stage stands out for its coherence, technical feasibility, and transformative potential. Aligned with Catalan and European strategic priorities, such as digitalization, inclusion, and gender equity, and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project seeks to strengthen i4KIDS’ position within the innovative health ecosystem.

According to Arnau Valls, Head of Innovation at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and Director of i4KIDS,

“At i4KIDS we want to express our gratitude for the support and trust of AGAUR and the Government of Catalonia, which allow us to continue driving the market arrival of solutions for pediatric patients and mothers — a population that still has few alternatives specifically designed for them. This renewal encourages us to keep working toward a future in which all children and women have access to the best possible diagnosis and treatment, while positioning Catalonia as a leader in this field.”

Among the activities planned for the new period are key initiatives such as the Pediatric Innovation Day and the i4KIDS Acceleration Program, along with new mechanisms to promote cooperation and competitiveness, including the Patient Driven Innovation Programme, a competition to boost disruptive solutions, and funding calls for startups addressing pediatric healthcare challenges. The program also includes networking events such as the Meet the Investor forum and initiatives to strengthen international outreach.

This new phase will place special emphasis on promoting applied innovation, with the goal of creating technology-based companies, generating patents, and transferring knowledge that contributes to improving pediatric and maternal health.

In short, i4KIDS begins a new phase with the aim of continuing to bring solutions to market and addressing unmet needs in pediatric and maternal health, improving the lives of patients and their families.