i4KIDS returns to the tech event of the year: 4YFN

For the second consecutive year, i4KIDS participated as an exhibitor at 4YFN 2025, the leading event for technology startups held within the framework of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Over four days, the paediatric innovation hub, coordinated by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, not only shared space with Xartec Salut but also actively took part in the congress agenda alongside key ecosystem players. The goal was to strengthen its position in the health ecosystem, establish new connections, and reaffirm the need to drive innovation in maternal and child health. This is the event chronicle!

Day 1: Institutional visit and digital health discussion

The first day of 4YFN was marked by the institutional visit of the Minister of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Olga Pané, who had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the impact of i4KIDS, its activities, and programmes. Additionally, Sofía Ferreira, Innovation Manager at i4KIDS / SJD, participated as a panellist in the session “Digital Health Programme – Startups, Tech, and Supply Chain Opportunities”. Together with industry experts, they discussed collaboration opportunities and the future of digital health. Throughout the day, the i4KIDS team established new alliances with entrepreneurs, startups, and maternal and child health experts, exploring opportunities for collaboration.

Day 2: Innovation Transfer and Industry Collaboration

On the second day of the congress, i4KIDS took part in the event organised by iNexesCSC, from the Consorci de Salut i Social de Catalunya, which included a session on how hospitals can transfer their innovation outcomes to the market. This session featured the participation of Lluís Cassou, Innovation Project Manager at i4KIDS.

Additionally, the day was enriched by the team’s attendance at the session “Innovation for a Healthier Future: Transforming Health Today”, organised by AstraZeneca. This session explored the impact of innovation in key areas such as primary care and respiratory diseases, emphasising that health is not just a matter of technology, but a matter of purpose to improve patient care.

Day 3: Presentation of Innovative Projects in Paediatric Health

The third day of 4YFN was highlighted by i4KIDS’ participation at the Tech Barcelona stand alongside three projects linked to the hub, focused on innovation in paediatric and maternal health. These projects included the winner of the 2024 i4KIDS Acceleration Programme, XTrem, and another participant in the accelerator, Maternia. The third project that had the opportunity to showcase its progress was Gate2Brain. The session demonstrated the potential of these initiatives to transform paediatric healthcare.

Day 4: Final Reflections and the Future of Paediatric Innovation

On the final day of the congress, i4KIDS participated in the “Show&Tell” session organised by Barcelona Health Hub, where it presented its activities and programmes supporting paediatric innovation. Throughout the day, key meetings continued with startups and ecosystem stakeholders, further strengthening strategic alliances.

The balance of this second participation in 4YFN has been very positive, as it has strengthened i4KIDS’ connections within the health innovation ecosystem. Despite the significant technological advancements in this sector, whose presence at the congress continues to grow year after year, the underrepresentation of paediatrics remains evident.

Looking ahead, the hub will continue working to ensure that child and maternal health gain greater prominence in the global health innovation ecosystem. See you in 2026!