IMPACT4KIDS

A Transatlantic Partnership for Pediatric and Maternal Health Innovation

Impact4kids is a unique program designed by Impact1 and i4KIDS to promote pediatric and maternal innovation by bridging the US and EU innovation ecosystem. This initiative aims to offer a comprehensive roadmap for innovators and startups to accelerate the development of new pediatric and maternal healthcare technologies globally.

Impact4kids will provide comprehensive education and training programs, offer mentorship and support for early-stage projects to streamline the processes of unmet need validation, solution development, clinical validation, regulatory approval and market access. In addition, it will provide an on-line ecosystem immersion to facilitate connections in both the US and EU markets, and enhance networking opportunities, reputation, and visibility will be key components of the program, as well as facilitate access to vital funding sources.

Innovations in Child and Maternal Health: Bridging the Gap

When it comes to healthcare innovation, pediatric patients and pregnant women are often overlooked. For instance, pediatric medical devices typically lag behind adult counterparts by up to 10 years, and there is a similar lack of tailored solutions for the unique needs of expectant mothers.

Addressing this innovation gap is not merely a technological challenge but also a moral imperative to ensure better healthcare outcomes for children, mothers and families worldwide.

Impact1: Enhancing Pediatric Innovation in the US

Impact1 at Stanford Biodesign is a program dedicated to improving the health, safety, and quality of life of pediatric patients and pregnant women. The goal is to fill the existing gap that each year far fewer health technologies are approved for use in children than adults. Impact1 achieves this by accelerating the development and availability of high-value, high-impact pediatric health technologies.

The program leverages Stanford Biodesign’s need-driven innovation process and is supported by a robust network of experts in product development, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, and commercialization.

i4KIDS: The European Hub for Pediatric Innovation

i4KIDS, coordinated by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, serves as a Pediatric Innovation Hub with the mission of identifying and supporting groundbreaking innovation projects within pediatrics and maternity. i4KIDS fosters scientific innovation with the ultimate goal of improving child and maternal health. The organization is rooted in values of respect, responsibility, and commitment, striving to create a better society by providing real, effective solutions for pediatric care.

i4KIDS supports its members and scientific groups to continue thriving in pediatric and maternity-focused scientific-technological development. The hub aims to generate value and social progress to make pediatric care more efficient, safe, and effective for children and their families.

The Impact4kids program is structured to support and scale innovations in pediatric and maternal health by offering intensive training, mentorship, and guidance for early-stage projects:

a) Start Date: March, 2025
b) End Date: September, 2025
c) Schedule: Sessions will be held every two weeks, at 5-7pm CEST, 8-10am PT.
d) Location: On-line program

Focus Area: Solutions targeting fetal, neonatal, pediatric, and/or maternal health.
Innovation Type: Must involve medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, healthcare services, or biotechnology.
Development Stage: Minimum proof-of-concept (TRL 3) to technology demonstration (TRL 6).
Location: Open to U.S. and EU-based projects.
Team Requirements: At least one team members with a combined full-time dedication.
Funding Cap: Projects must have under $5 million in total funding

To apply for Impact4kids, please follow the steps below:

Application Dates: From December 2, 2024, until January 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT (January 27, 2025, at 9:59 AM CET).
Submission Process: Complete the application form and submit all documents through.
Selected proposals: February 2025

All applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: