Eit Health, a network of healthcare innovators with around 120 partners supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, has launched the InnoStars Connect program in collaboration with two of the most important European pharmaceutical companies, Chiesi Group and Synlab Italia. The initiative aims to bring together start-ups, SMEs, researchers, universities and hospitals in Italy and other European countries who want to collaborate to realize life-changing innovation. «InnoStars Connect perfectly embodies the often repeated adage that no one can innovate alone» states Sarah Haddadin, Eit Health InnoStars Ris innovation lead and program manager «through this initiative we are opening the doors to Italian innovators to access resources, knowledge and, most importantly, connections within our network. Leveraging the expertise of world-class professionals and institutions, InnoStars Connect is not just a program, but a transformative platform designed to push healthcare innovation to new levels and foster a collaborative ecosystem for long-lasting positive impact.”
Chiesi is a global biopharmaceutical research-oriented group, driven by the desire to increase the quality of life of patients, their families and their communities with innovative products and services. The company, together with Eit Health InnoStars, is looking for innovative solutions in the fields of respiratory health, the treatment of patients suffering from rare and ultra-rare diseases and products and services that support the specialized care provided by doctors and the self-care. «We are looking for exemplary and talented innovators among start-ups, SMEs, hospitals, universities and research institutions in Italy and abroad who want to collaborate with us on Open Innovation opportunities» says Fabrizio Conicella, Head of Center of Open Innovation & Competence by Chiesi Group «our goal is to go beyond current boundaries, study new approaches and develop better models. By combining our expertise with that of InnoStars Connect, we envision pioneering solutions that respond to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems. Together we can address the challenges generated by the interconnection between planetary health and human health, promoting a healthier future for all.”
Synlab Italia is a medical diagnostics company with a new “integrated” approach to medical innovation, prevention and healthcare, in line with European quality standards of excellence. Together with Eit Health InnoStars is looking for Biomarkers and Advanced Diagnostic Technologies. «We see enormous potential for diagnostic biomarkers and innovative technologies to revolutionize healthcare delivery» explains Maurizio Ferrari, Chief Medical Officer of Synlab Italia «through InnoStars Connect we are eager to collaborate with innovators across Europe to find creative solutions that improve our services and patient outcomes. By joining forces with us, innovators can help us find new ways to deliver cutting-edge diagnostics that will shape the future of healthcare for millions of European citizens.”
Start-ups, SMEs, hospitals, universities and research institutes from across Europe that have innovative solutions to address the identified challenges are encouraged to apply to the InnoStars Connect programme. Applicants must have a solution with a maturity level between Trl 5 (technology validated in a relevant environment) and Trl 7 (demonstration of a prototype system in an operational environment) and be ready to collaborate in Open Innovation. Individual organizations that are not currently EIT Health partners must become partners and will have access to a broad network and resources that offer transformative collaborations with leading healthcare innovators.
