New European call to boost innovation in paediatric epilepsy care through the i4KIDS-4RARE initiative

Through the European project i4KIDS-4RARE, coordinated by the paediatric innovation hub i4KIDS, the i4KIDS-4RARE Neuropilepsy Innovation Programme is launched. This is an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting innovative solutions that enhance early diagnosis, cognitive monitoring, and personalised therapeutic strategies for children with rare epileptic conditions.

Developed in collaboration with EpiCARE, the European Reference Network for rare and complex epilepsies, the programme is part of i4KIDS’ commitment to accelerating innovation in child health, with a special focus on rare diseases and orphan medical devices.

Three priority challenges to transform paediatric epilepsy care

The call is structured around three major challenges that address unmet clinical and technological needs:

• Challenge 1: AI-Driven Neuroimaging for Surgical Planning
  Seeking solutions that improve the detection and localisation of epileptogenic foci through advanced neuroimaging analysis, enabling earlier and more precise surgical planning.
• Challenge 2: Early Detection and Management of Cognitive Impairment
  Promoting tools that allow systematic and standardised monitoring of cognitive functions from the earliest stages, supporting personalised and child-centred interventions.
• Challenge 3: Personalised Dosage Adjustment for Anti-Seizure Medications
  Encouraging solutions that integrate clinical, pharmacological, and genetic data to optimise treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

Open innovation for a more inclusive ecosystem

The i4KIDS-4RARE call is open to proposals from diverse fields (technological, clinical, educational, or social) and at a development stage of TRL 7 or higher.

The goal is to foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, companies, start-ups, and patient associations, and to accelerate the arrival of new tools that can be integrated into clinical practice and scaled across Europe.

Submission of proposals

The call will remain open until 30 November 2025.
The selected proposal will receive support for its development, validation, and connection with the European paediatric innovation network promoted by i4KIDS.

More information and access to the application form:
👉 https://www.innovation4kids.org/en/i4kids4rare-neuropilepsy-innovation-programme/