In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare innovation, Slovenian startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitals, universities, and research institutions, along with 18 other countries in the region, now have a unique opportunity to accelerate their innovations to market through the newly launched SPICE program. This program offers up to €160,000 in support for development, commercialization, and mentorship for each team, activating knowledge, expertise, and capital within the extensive EIT Health network, the largest ecosystem of healthcare innovators in Europe.
Slovenian healthcare innovators now have a transformative new opportunity to expand their businesses with the launch of the SPICE program (Strategic Partnership Initiatives for Competitive Edge), a new initiative by EIT Health InnoStars, a part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an EU body. The aim is to expedite the entry of advanced healthcare solutions into the market, with SPICE offering up to €100,000 in tailored development and commercial services, along with an additional €60,000 for expert mentorship and coaching for up to ten exceptional teams.
The call for applications is now open and will close on October 31st. In this new program, EIT Health InnoStars is seeking startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other institutions from Slovenia and 18 other countries in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe covered by the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) of EIT, where the innovation rate is typically more moderate than in Western and Northern Europe.
Eligible applicants – startups, universities, hospitals, small and medium-sized enterprises, or research institutions – must present innovative healthcare solutions that have reached at least Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), meaning their solutions are in the prototype phase and have been tested in a relevant environment. This is a crucial step for companies ready to move beyond early-stage development and towards actual deployment and commercialization.
Comprehensive support for expansion
Up to €100,000 per team will be available in the form of in-kind services provided by the implementing partners of the SPICE program, a carefully selected group of experts from across Europe. These services will help participants address the most pressing challenges on the path to market, including regulatory support, clinical validation, technological innovations, data protection, and commercialization strategy.
In addition to financial support, participants in the SPICE program will receive expert mentorship and coaching tailored to their specific needs. With up to €60,000 per team, participants will receive practical guidance from the expert pool of EIT Health InnoStars, a network of leading healthcare professionals from across Europe. This mentorship will focus on overcoming unique challenges in expanding healthcare innovations, from securing investments to navigating healthcare regulations.
„SPICE program opens new horizons for innovators in Slovenia and across Europe,“ said Alessio Smeraldo, Head of Business Development at EIT Health InnoStars. „By providing access to tailored services and expert mentorship, SPICE will enable innovators to overcome the challenges of commercialization in the healthcare sector and gain a competitive edge in the market. Our goal is to transform high-potential solutions into successful, scalable companies that can thrive in the competitive European healthcare market.“
Building lasting connections in an elite network
With success stories like PVR med d.o.o., a startup accelerated by EIT Health, Slovenia has long been a hotbed of healthcare innovation. The SPICE program offers a unique opportunity for Slovenian innovators to connect with a broader European network and gain access to key resources.
„One of the key advantages of the SPICE program is the opportunity for participants to become members of EIT Health InnoStars, the largest European healthcare innovation network,“ added Alessio Smeraldo. „Membership in this elite network provides access to a wide range of long-term resources, collaboration opportunities, and strategic partnerships essential for the growth of a successful healthcare company. Participants in the SPICE program will not only benefit from immediate program support but also from lasting connections and opportunities offered by EIT Health InnoStars.“
How to apply for SPICE
The call for applications is now open and will close on October 31st. The SPICE program will commence by the end of 2024 and will run throughout the year, offering continuous support to help teams refine and expand their healthcare innovations.
For more information, visit: https://eithealth.eu/programmes/innostars-spice/