For the first time, from the HITT Foundation we are involved in the programme aimed at entrepreneurs on innovation in health CRAASH Barcelona, promoted by Biocat, co-organised with CIMIT and with the collaboration of ACCIÓ. From FHITT we will provide specialized advice to the 6 selected groups, in which different Innovation Units of reference centres such as Hospital Clínic, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge and Hospital Universitari Germans Trias will also take part.
The call supports projects oriented towards commercialisation and clinical practice, and plans to select 6 start-ups and projects dedicated to developing medical devices, digital health and diagnostics with a technological maturity level (TRL) 3-6, set up by professionals with a research and entrepreneurial profile. The training that the selected individuals will receive focuses on clinical validation, investment, communication skills, mentoring from CIMIT‘s experience and knowledge of the Catalan and German life science ecosystem. The latter will be provided by Life Science Accelerator.
The deadline to apply for the 7th CRAASH Barcelona is 14th June 2024, and the programme is scheduled to start in September 2024. In addition, this year’s edition will include a closing event as part of Barcelona Health Innovation Week 2025, launched by Biocat.
The collaboration agreement with the European Innovation Council (EIC) will be maintained, whereby Biocat proposes that the beneficiaries of the Ecosystem Partnership and co-investment support program be able to participate in this edition of CRAASH Barcelona under special conditions. The program is organized by Biocat together with CIMIT, with the collaboration of ACCIÓ.
The keys to success
The dedication of the mentors, the quality of the onsite training and the new connections established with other agents in the ecosystem are the aspects most valued by participants in the last 2023 edition. “The mentoring has been key, because it helps to get more out of the programme”, said the representative of YSOTOPE, who says she has come out of the programme better prepared.
In the case of the company FECUNDIS, the quality of the face-to-face classes was highly valued: “the onsite training is varied and useful, regardless of the stage you are at”. On the other hand, for the Time is Brain team, “the programme is demanding but of the highest level. CIMIT’s GAITS methodology is key to its success”. On the other hand, for the more scientific profiles, such as the members of Intelligent Idam, CRAASH Barcelona “has provided us with business knowledge that we didn’t have”. They also valued very positively the connections with other agents in the health start-up environment.
The results speak for themselves and are an indicator of the success of this programme, which has become one of the most prestigious health innovation programmes in Catalonia. The funding achieved by the 47 projects and startups that have participated over the six editions, this has been more than 35 million euros. This economic injection has favoured the launch of 7 products on the market in total and the creation of 100 new jobs.