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

Throughout the programme, the selected teams will receive strategic support to advance clinical validation, regulatory development, technology transfer and their future path to patients, always from a perspective centred on social impact and sustainability.

The five selected projects in 2026 edition

PSC‑PediCF

New inhalable therapies to address resistant infections in paediatric cystic fibrosis

Institution: IBEC
Principal Investigator: César Rodriguez-Emmenegger

PSC‑PediCF is developing inhalable synthetic phagocytic cells capable of eliminating bacteria through a physical mechanism (binding, engulfment and destruction), thereby avoiding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The technology also sequesters inflammatory endotoxins, helping to reduce lung damage. It is designed to complement current CFTR modulators, which are unable to eradicate chronic infections.

With preclinical validation already achieved, the project proposes a new therapeutic class to tackle antimicrobial resistance in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

NEUROSAFE‑CHD

Advanced neuromonitoring for children with congenital heart disease

Institution: Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and ICFO
Principal Investigator: Marta Camprubí

NEUROSAFE‑CHD is developing a non-invasive multimodal neuromonitoring system for use during surgery and critical care in children with congenital heart disease. It integrates advanced optical technologies (DCS and TRS‑NIRS) with EEG to monitor cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, metabolism and brain activity in real time.

Its goal is to detect early signs of neurological injury risk and support more personalised clinical decision-making. The system has achieved initial clinical validation, and the project is currently focused on regulatory preparation and hospital adoption.

OSTEOTARGET

Targeted therapies for paediatric osteosarcoma

Institution: IRB
Principal Investigators: Ángel Rodriguez Nebreda and Begoña Cánovas Bilbao

OSTEOTARGET addresses paediatric osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer for which there have been no significant therapeutic advances in over 40 years. The project applies a phenotypic discovery approach based on patient-derived cells to identify selective compounds capable of inducing apoptosis in tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue.

It has identified first-in-class compound series with a high therapeutic window and preclinical proof of concept.

TRACELL

Digital coordination of advanced therapies in paediatric hospitals

Institution: Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
Principal Investigator: Simón de Miquel

TRACELL is a digital platform designed to coordinate advanced therapies, such as cell and gene therapies, in academic hospital settings. It centralises and optimises the entire vein‑to‑vein process, improving traceability, regulatory compliance and coordination among multiple clinical and technical stakeholders.

It is specifically tailored for academic trials, hospital exemption pathways and early-stage settings, where processes are often manual and fragmented. The project originates from a real operational need identified within a paediatric hospital.

Time4Duchenne

A novel targeted therapeutic strategy to extend the lifespan of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Institution: IGTP
Principal Investigator: Mònica Suelves

This project is developing a targeted therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aiming to reduce fibrosis and fatty infiltration while improving muscle regeneration and function.

With early preclinical proof of concept in murine models and human cells, the project seeks to slow disease progression and improve both efficacy and safety compared to other disease-modifying approaches.

Driving innovation with real-world impact

Over the coming months, these projects will take part in a structured training pathway designed to increase their maturity, reduce risks and bring them closer to real-world implementation within the healthcare system.

In the first phase, teams will work on defining and strengthening their value proposition through specialised training in health innovation, business models, intellectual property, regulation, clinical trials, market access and patient engagement. In parallel, they will conduct a GAP analysis following recognised biomedical innovation methodologies, with the aim of identifying key needs, gaps and strategic priorities for each project.

In the second phase, the focus will shift towards validating the clinical need and potential impact, supported by interviews with experts and healthcare professionals. The projects will receive personalised mentoring, access to specialised consultancy and will take part in workshops aimed at maximising their social and healthcare impact.

The programme will conclude with pitch preparation and the presentation of the projects to key stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem during the Demo Day, to be held in Barcelona at the end of the year.