Impact4kids Opens Applications for its Second Cohort
Following a successful first edition, Impact4kids has officially opened applications for its 2026-2027 cohort, continuing its mission to connect the innovation ecosystems of Europe and the United States and accelerate the market adoption of solutions with the potential to transform maternal and child healthcare.
The programme is jointly led by i4KIDS and Impact1 at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign, two internationally recognised leaders in healthcare innovation committed to advancing new technologies, services and solutions that address unmet needs in fetal, paediatric and maternal health.
Over the course of six months, selected projects will receive tailored support to advance key aspects of their development, including clinical strategy, regulatory pathways, market access, intellectual property, business model development and international growth readiness. Participants will also benefit from expert-led training, mentoring sessions and immersion activities across both the European and US innovation ecosystems.
New for the 2026-2027 Edition: Even More Personalised Support
This year’s programme introduces a significant enhancement: dedicated one-to-one sessions with programme experts and personalised support tailored to each project’s stage of maturity and specific needs.
This new approach will enable teams to receive more targeted guidance, helping them achieve critical development, validation and expansion milestones more efficiently.
Who Can Apply?
Impact4kids is open to startups, companies and research teams developing:
- Medical devices and diagnostic technologies
- Digital health solutions
- Innovative healthcare services
Projects must address challenges related to fetal, neonatal, paediatric and/or maternal health, be at an intermediate stage of technological development (TRL 3-6), and be based in either Europe or the United States with an interest in expanding into the opposite market.
Key Dates
- 4 August 2026: Applications open
- 27 September 2026: Application deadline
- 20 October 2026: Programme kick-off
A Programme Built on a Strong International Partnership
The partnership between i4KIDS and Impact1 Stanford Biodesign began in 2022 with the shared ambition of strengthening connections between the European and US maternal and paediatric health innovation ecosystems.
Since then, both organisations have launched several joint initiatives aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange, providing access to specialised mentoring and creating new opportunities for healthcare innovators.
This collaboration was further strengthened during the Catalan Government’s institutional mission to California in May 2026, where Impact4Kids was showcased as a successful example of international cooperation designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
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