The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and the Prous Institute for Biomedical Research have signed a three-year collaboration agreement to promote high-impact research projects that already form part of the VHIR’s innovation portfolio or are in the selection phase. The aim of this strategic agreement is to promote initiatives with significant biomedical potential which, despite their innovative value, lack sufficient financial resources in their early stages of development. Areas of interest include the development of new drugs, medical devices and digital health solutions, as well as new therapies and diagnostic technologies.

The collaboration will take place through the FIT Programme (Fondo de Impulso Tecnológico, or “Technology Boost Fund” in English), which was designed to provide financial support to high-risk innovative projects and help bring them to the market.

By signing this agreement, the Prous Institute undertakes to provide sustained financial contributions over the three-year period to promote and strengthen the FIT Programme.

Not only will the Prous Institute help to finance these projects, but it will also form part of the mentorship network of the VHIR’s Innovation and Business Development Directorate. Its proven experience in managing innovation projects and assessing their potential impact will help to optimise the selection and support processes for the chosen initiatives. The collaboration will also facilitate the establishment of cooperation networks involving researchers, institutions and the private sector, fostering synergies that will enhance the success of the projects.

“This agreement reflects the VHIR’s strong commitment to strengthening relationships and creating new synergies between public and private entities, thereby promoting innovation and knowledge transfer activities that derive from research projects,” explained Rafael Navajo, the VHIR’s Director of Innovation and Business Development. The aim is to generate social and financial benefits while improving people’s quality of life through the application of advanced scientific and technological solutions.

“It is an honour to begin this collaboration with the VHIR, one of the leading international biomedical research centres. We feel that the VHIR is totally aligned with our mission to participate and invest in projects based on scientific excellence and our burning passion to find new and original approaches that will help to shape the future of therapeutics,” explained David Prous, executive director at Prous Institute.

“Through this collaboration, the VHIR and the Prous Institute strengthen their position as key players in the biomedical research ecosystem, adopting a public-private collaboration model that drives innovation and accelerates the arrival of scientific developments to society,” concluded Dr Begoña Benito, director of the VHIR.