The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Prous Institute for Biomedical Research are beginning the third year of their collaboration agreement, an alliance aimed at promoting innovative biomedical research projects. During this period, the collaboration has helped strengthen VHIR’s innovation activities and support initiatives with the potential to turn scientific advances into solutions applicable to clinical practice.

The collaboration is carried out through the FIT Programme (Technological Development Fund), which combines financial support with specialized advice to facilitate the development of innovative projects that, despite their potential, may face difficulties securing resources in the early stages. Areas of interest include the development of new drugs, medical devices, digital health solutions, new therapies and diagnostic technologies.

Over these three years, the FIT Programme has received joint funding from Prous Institute and VHIR. This contribution has made it possible to strengthen the resources available to research teams and support the development of projects with the potential to make an impact in the biomedical field.

Since the collaboration began, the programme has received a total of 47 project proposals, of which 21 have received funding. These initiatives address different areas of biomedical innovation and help strengthen VHIR’s capacity to translate research results into potential healthcare applications.

In addition to financial support, Prous Institute’s participation in the mentoring network of VHIR’s Innovation and Business Development Directorate brings expertise in managing innovation projects and assessing their potential impact. This collaboration helps optimize the selection and support processes for funded initiatives.

“The FIT Programme is a key tool for driving innovative projects through the challenging stages of their development, when financial support and specialized guidance can be decisive in moving towards technology transfer. Our collaboration with Prous Institute enables us to strengthen this support model and continue fostering synergies between biomedical research and the private sector,” explains Rafael Navajo, Director of Innovation and Business Development at VHIR.

“This collaboration allows us to contribute to the development of biomedical research projects with the potential to make an impact, in line with our commitment to innovation and the identification of new therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. Continuing to work with VHIR is an opportunity to support initiatives that can help improve people’s health and quality of life,” highlights David Prous, Executive Director of Prous Institute for Biomedical Research.

During the third year of the agreement, both institutions will continue working to support promising research projects and foster their development towards solutions that could improve people’s health and quality of life.

At the end of this three-year period, Prous Institute will conclude its participation in the FIT Programme. Nevertheless, both institutions will maintain their collaboration in other areas, with the aim of continuing to promote biomedical research and innovation initiatives.