IMPACT4KIDS 2026/27
A Transatlantic Partnership for Pediatric and Maternal Health Innovation
Impact4kids 2026–27: Applications Open on 4 August 2026
Following the success of its first edition, Impact4kids returns for a second edition in 2026–27.
Innovations in Child and Maternal Health: Bridging the Gap
Bridging this innovation gap is not only a technological challenge but also an ethical imperative to ensure better health outcomes for children, mothers, and families worldwide.
The program leverages Stanford Biodesign’s need-driven innovation process and is supported by a robust network of experts in product development, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, and commercialization.
i4KIDS supports its members and scientific groups to continue thriving in pediatric and maternity-focused scientific-technological development. The hub aims to generate value and social progress to make pediatric care more efficient, safe, and effective for children and their families.
The programme combines specialised training, personalised mentorship and immersion in international innovation ecosystems to support teams in validating and advancing their solutions, helping them prepare for clinical settings and future market entry.
Following the success of its first edition, Impact4kids is launching its second call for applications (2026–2027), once again bringing together leading experts from both sides of the Atlantic to drive innovation in maternal and child health.
Over a six-month period, selected projects gain access to a comprehensive programme that includes:
- Structured and Interactive Training: Fortnightly sessions covering key topics such as unmet need validation and strategic priorities, regulatory strategy, intellectual property, market access, pricing, reimbursement, and fundraising, within both the European and US healthcare contexts.
- Personalised Mentorship: Tailored guidance from international experts who support each team according to the project’s development stage and specific needs.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous assistance to help teams define their value proposition, identify unmet clinical needs, and strengthen their development and implementation strategies.
- Ecosystem Immersion: Direct exposure to innovation ecosystems in Europe and the United States, alongside access to key stakeholders including hospitals, investors, accelerators and regulatory bodies.
- Community: A small cohort of up to six projects, fostering peer learning, collaboration and the exchange of experiences.
Following the success of its first edition, Impact4Kids is launching its second call for applications (2026–2027), once again bringing together leading experts from both sides of the Atlantic to drive innovation in maternal and child health.
A new feature of this edition is the introduction of one-to-one mentoring sessions with programme experts, specifically tailored to the maturity level and unique challenges of each project. This enhanced approach further strengthens the strategic and personalised support provided to participating teams.
Impact4kids therefore offers a unique opportunity to transform innovative ideas into solutions with real-world impact, accelerating their journey from research and development to implementation within healthcare systems.
Key Programme Dates
- Currently Open
Expression of Interest - 4 August 2026
Call for applications opens. - 27 September 2026
Application deadline. - 9 October 2026
Announcement of selected projects. - 20 October 2026
Programme launch. - 27 April 2027
Programme concludes.
The Eligibility Criteria section outlines the characteristics and requirements that define the ideal candidates for the programme.
Currently, participation in Impact4Kids begins with an Expression of Interest, which is now open. This allows projects to register their interest and receive priority information when the official call for applications is launched.
The call for applications will open on 4 August, and applications may be submitted until 27 September. The application procedure and detailed submission guidelines will be published once the call officially opens.
We encourage interested teams to submit their Expression of Interest now to stay informed and prepare for the application process.
Applications submitted to the Impact4kids Programme will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Idea (25%)
This criterion evaluates whether the project addresses a genuine unmet clinical need through a viable and differentiated solution that is aligned with the needs of key healthcare stakeholders. The assessment also considers the competitive landscape and the degree of innovation compared with existing alternatives.
Impact (25%)
Reviewers will assess the market opportunity, the prevalence and significance of the problem being addressed, and the potential impact on patients’ lives and society. The evaluation will also consider the solution’s potential to reduce healthcare costs and whether its focus is clearly directed towards paediatric and/or maternal health.
Implementation (20%)
This criterion examines whether the project has a clear strategy for validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory pathways and business development. Proposals must demonstrate a credible route to market and the potential for long-term sustainability.
Team (30%)
The evaluation will consider the team’s experience and expertise, the complementarity of clinical, technical and business profiles, the level of commitment to the project, and whether the team has sufficient funding to carry out the key activities required during the programme.
- Scope of work: The proposal must address unmet needs in the fields of fetal, neonatal, paediatric and/or maternal health.
- Type of solution: Proposed solutions must be innovative and technology-based, falling within one of the following categories: medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, or healthcare services.
- Development stage: The proposed solution must be at a minimum proof-of-concept stage (Technology Readiness Level – TRL 3) and at a maximum technology demonstrated in a relevant environment (TRL 6).
- Geographical scope: The programme is open to projects and companies based in Europe or the United States that meet the above criteria and are interested in accessing both markets (Europe and the US).
- Team composition: The founding team must include at least one full-time member dedicated to the project.
- Team commitment: Applicant teams must commit to active participation throughout the programme, attending at least 80% of programme activities.
- Funding: The project must have raised less than USD 5 million in total funding.
- Support needs: The project’s support needs must be aligned with the services provided by the programme. The viability of the proposal at the time of application must not depend solely on securing additional funding. Proposals whose continuation is contingent exclusively on obtaining funding will not be eligible for participation.
The program does not involve any financial cost for participating projects that attend the scheduled training sessions.
Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights
This programme entails a commitment to confidentiality from all parties involved regarding the ideas and information submitted, provided that such ideas and information have not been lawfully disclosed.
The organisers will at all times respect the ownership of the industrial and intellectual property rights of participating entrepreneurs, as well as any ideas, know-how, and contributions they provide.
Participation in this programme does not imply any assignment, transfer, or licensing of such rights to the programme organisers.
Data Protection and Confidentiality
This programme requires all participants to maintain the confidentiality of any ideas and information shared throughout the programme until such information is lawfully made public.
Participants in the Impact4kids Programme may have their images and programme-related materials disseminated through social media channels and at events for promotional purposes.
With regard to the processing of personal data, selected applicants will be required to sign a specific Data Sharing Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for processing the personal data of the other party’s signatories in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. The contact details of the parties responsible for data processing will be provided in the agreement.
