Applications Now Open for CRAASH Barcelona and DKV Challenge 2026 with i4KIDS as a Strategic Partne

i4KIDS is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in paediatric, fetal and maternal health by collaborating in two strategic initiatives currently open for applications: CRAASH Barcelona 2026 and DKV Challenge 2026. Both programmes offer new opportunities for startups and innovative projects seeking to accelerate the development, validation and adoption of solutions with an impact on maternal and child health.

i4KIDS and Catalonia.Health address the challenges of paediatric innovation and health startups

i4KIDS and Catalonia.Health brought together startup leaders, researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss funding, regulatory strategy and international growth. The session featured Gisela Lorente (Aptadel Therapeutics), Marc Martinell (Minoryx Therapeutics) and Stefanos Theoharis (OneChain Immunotherapeutics), highlighting Barcelona's growing role as a leading hub for paediatric health innovation.

CogniTOT by Liltoda Selected as Winner of the i4KIDS-4RARE Neuroepilepsy Innovation Programme 

The European project i4KIDS-4RARE has selected CogniTOT, a language-independent digital cognitive assessment tool developed by Liltoda Ltd, as the winning solution of its Neuroepilepsy Innovation Programme. Validated in more than 1,000 children across ten countries, the tool will now enter a pilot phase within the EpiCARE network to assess its potential for the early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment in children living with rare epilepsies.

i4KIDS reinforces the role of paediatric innovation at HLTH Europe 2026

i4KIDS played a key role at HLTH Europe 2026, reinforcing paediatric innovation as a strategic priority on the global stage. Over four days, the event highlighted increasing ecosystem alignment, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for stronger collaboration to place children and families at the centre of healthcare transformation.

Call for Participants for the International Mission to Helsinki 2026

i4KIDS launches an exclusive call for four members to join the International Mission on Paediatric Innovation to Helsinki 2026. Taking place from 16 to 19 September, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to learn about innovative paediatric and maternal health projects, connect with leading stakeholders, and engage with one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare innovation ecosystems.

i4KIDS advances the Impact4kids programme within the framework of the Catalan institutional mission to California

i4KIDS joined the Generalitat de Catalunya’s official mission to California, contributing to the institutional agenda and reinforcing its collaboration with Impact1 Stanford Biodesign. One of the key milestones of the visit was the advancement of the Impact4Kids programme, aimed at accelerating paediatric and maternal health innovation through transatlantic collaboration.

The i4KIDS Acceleration Programme 2026 kicks off with its training pathway for five selected projects

The i4KIDS Acceleration Programme 2026 has officially launched its new cohort, bringing together five high-potential projects that showcase the diversity and strength of paediatric innovation. From breakthrough therapies for rare diseases and childhood cancer to advanced medical technologies and digital solutions tailored for paediatric care, the selected initiatives address pressing unmet clinical needs. Through a structured training and mentoring pathway, the programme will support teams in advancing clinical validation, regulatory readiness, technology transfer and market access, with a strong focus on delivering sustainable solutions and tangible impact for children and families.

Paediatric Hospital Innovation Challenge 2026 Opens to Hospital‑Led Projects Across Europe and the UK

The Paediatric Hospital Innovation Challenge 2026 is now open, calling on paediatric hospitals across Europe and the UK to submit innovative, scalable solutions developed within hospital settings. Selected projects will gain international visibility and present at the Paediatric Innovation Day 2026 in Helsinki, connecting with the European paediatric innovation ecosystem.

Paediatric Investment Forum returns with its second edition in Helsinki

The second edition of the Paediatric Investment Forum will be held on 17 September 2026 in Helsinki, bringing together European startups, investors and ecosystem leaders to accelerate innovation in paediatric and maternal health.

i4KIDS visits Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to explore its paediatric innovation model

i4KIDS visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool to learn about its paediatric innovation model. Over two days, the team explored the hospital’s innovation spaces, took part in workshops on design thinking, artificial intelligence and innovation culture, and attended the Alder Hey Innovation Celebration Conference, where various perspectives and initiatives in paediatric health innovation were presented. The visit provided insight into methodologies and approaches used in other healthcare systems and opened new opportunities for international collaboration.

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.

i4KIDS strengthens its position at 4YFN, a flagship space for the entrepreneurial ecosystem

i4KIDS marked its third consecutive participation at 4YFN, strengthening its position as a leading hub in paediatric and maternal health innovation. In a landmark edition of the congress, the hub showcased emerging technologies, reinforced collaboration with R&I networks and generated new opportunities within a rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.