The HiTT Foundation presents the 2026 Élan Vital Program, aimed at promoting startups in the Life Sciences, Health Tech, and Healthcare sectors.

Program Objective

The Élan Vital Program of the HiTT Foundation aims to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate early-stage ideas within the Life Sciences sector (including Health Tech, pharmaceutical projects, among others). Its purpose is to help entrepreneurs develop projects in their early stages.

Who Can Apply

The program is aimed at public entities and companies in the healthcare sector that cover any phase within the value chain, from basic research to initiatives more focused on the market and patients. Projects that stand out for their excellence in areas such as research, scientific innovation, industrialization, international expansion, investment rounds, regulatory milestones, or any other relevant aspect of the sector will be highly valued. Therefore, the following are eligible to participate in this program:

• Incorporated startups
• Entrepreneurs wishing to establish a company within the framework of the first Élan Program call
• Stakeholders from the sector wishing to propose an ongoing research project at a research centre or university, with a view to future knowledge transfer

Are There Company Size Limits?

Yes, the call is aimed at micro and small companies with up to 50 employees and a turnover below 1 million euros. Medium and large companies are explicitly excluded.

In Which Languages Can Applications Be Submitted?

Registration may be completed in Spanish, Catalan, or English. However, to facilitate evaluation, it is recommended to submit the proposal in English.

Can More Than One Application Be Submitted?

Each participant may submit only one application.

Can I Submit My Project if It Operates Outside Spain?

Yes, projects with a European scope are accepted, but it is an essential requirement that they have a base in Catalonia or in any other region of Spain.

Evaluation Criteria

The potential, innovation, impact, and projection of the projects will be assessed globally, as well as the progress achieved and opportunities for future growth and development.

The award will recognize entities with the vision to become key players in the sector thanks to their scientific contribution, innovation, or business development. The jury’s decision will be final.

The prize: investment

The two winning projects will receive an investment valued at 20,000 € (twenty thousand euros), consisting of capital injection/financing through various regulated systems.

Announcement of the winners

From all the entries submitted, the Board of Trustees of the HiTT Foundation will shortlist a maximum of five proposals, which will be announced on 1 September. The two winning projects will be selected from among the five finalists.

The five finalists will be invited to the ceremony announcing the program’s winners.

The names of the winners will be announced on 30 September 2026.