The project carried out a series of activities to strengthen early-stage health innovation ecosystems in Central and Eastern Europe. The work combined ecosystem analysis, capacity building, investor engagement, and targeted support to early-stage ventures.
The first phase focused on understanding ecosystem needs. Technology transfer offices, universities, and start-up support organisations were mapped across Europe, and structured interviews were conducted with institutions from both less connected and more dynamic regions. This work identified gaps in venture-building capacity, investment readiness support, and access to investor networks. In parallel, investors were mapped and engaged, and a structured investor needs survey and roundtables were carried out to better understand barriers to investing in healthcare and deep tech, particularly in cross-border contexts.
Based on these insights, the project designed and delivered a capacity-building programme for TTOs and start-up support organisations. A structured syllabus was developed and piloted in two cohorts, combining workshops, practical assignments, and peer exchange. An additional 35 innovation trainers were upskilled and applied the EIT Jumpstarter methodology to support venture-building and entrepreneurial matching approaches within their institutions. These programmes supported organisations in identifying market opportunities, strengthening commercialisation practices, and improving their ability to guide early-stage teams.
The project also delivered targeted activities for investors. Training sessions and exchange formats were organised to increase understanding of healthtech markets, regulatory considerations, and investment practices. These activities brought together local and international investors and enabled structured dialogue on deal evaluation, risk, and cross-border collaboration.
In addition, the project supported early-stage ventures directly. A competitive pan-European call resulted in 25 start-ups selected from Central and Eastern Europe. These ventures received tailored investment-readiness support, including expert-led sessions, mentoring, and pitch feedback. Eight high-potential health ventures received more intensive de-risking and internationalisation support, focusing on business model clarity, market readiness, and regulatory positioning.
By the end of the project, concrete outcomes included a trained cohort of innovation support professionals, improved investor understanding of healthtech markets in the region, a screened and supported pipeline of early-stage ventures, and strengthened connections between local and international actors in less connected innovation ecosystems.
