Forward to Health Innovation

A leading program for health startups that transforms challenges into opportunities.

The Forward to Health Innovation program is implemented in partnership by the University of Zagreb as the EIT Health Hub in Croatia and Smion. Supported by the EIT Health Knowledge and Innovation Community, our program has been providing targeted support to healthcare startups in Croatia for the third consecutive year. The program is based on The Healthcare Innovation Cycle framework, a specialized model that guides startups through ten maturity levels in key development areas.

What do participants gain from the program

Participants of the Forward to Health Innovation program gain benefits in various ways throughout the duration of the project.

Knowledge

The structure, process, and know-how for shaping business opportunities, research, development, and market entry. Educational programs cover all aspects of healthcare innovation development, from product creation to business planning.

Networking

Networking with local and international partners in the health startup ecosystem, including investors and healthcare providers. It offers access to multidisciplinary talents, industry experts, and open opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

Specialised support

Leadership from startup coaches and specialized mentorship from healthcare experts provide support through a tailored development process for innovations in digital health. Individual support, access to laboratory resources, and knowledge exchange among teams in the program are ensured.

Access to financing

Expert support in preparing the team for funding and the opportunity to pitch to investors on demo day. Access to funding sources, including grants and investors, along with guidance on attracting investments and presenting the project.

The main goals and outcomes of the project

The program lasts for 6 months, with a summer break (from July 15 to August).

The Forward to Health Innovation (FTHI) program aims to equip healthcare startups with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to turn innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. By providing structured support, specialized mentorship, and access to key industry stakeholders, the program ensures that participants achieve critical milestones such as clinical and market validation, regulatory compliance, and successful fundraising. The ultimate outcome is the acceleration of healthcare innovations, paving the way for improved patient care and health outcomes.

Program duration

The program lasts for 6 months, with a summer break (from July 15 to August).

8.4.-8.5.2024.

The application and selection process for participants

Forward to Health Innovation naslovna fotografija

13.5.-30.6.2024.

Validation of needs and ideas

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1.7.-4.7.2024.

Mid-term demo day Bootcamp

stručni žiri forward to health innovation mid-term demo dan

3.7.-6.12.2024.

Progress in healthcare innovations - Proof of Concept (PoC)

Filip Stipančić na internom mid-term demo danu.

The final presentation of solutions by participants in the EWA 2024 program will be held on November 21, 2024. year

December 2024.

The date of the demo day will be announced later.

Final demo day

Get Started in Health Innovation Demo Day Pitch

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Read the latest news related to the Forward to Health Innovation program.

interni mid-term demo dan forward to health innovation programa

The Mid-term demo day of the Forward

The Demo Day brought together startup teams, mentors, partners, representatives from AstraZeneca and Selvita,...

timovi-forward-to-health-innovation-programa-2024

We present the teams bringing innovations to

We present the teams bringing innovations to the healthcare sector through the Forward to...

Quote by Jasmina Isaković about the Forward to Health Innovation program

“One-stop shop for entrepreneurs” – Forward to

“The Forward to Health Innovation program is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to...

Take a peek at the Photo Gallery.

Check out the highlights from the program.

Get Started in Health Innovation Demo Day panelists AstraZeneca i Selvita

Get Started in Health Innovation Demo Day audience

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Vlatka Petrović Smion - Dare to innovate

Get Started in Health Innovation Demo Day Petar Bilosnić

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Get Started in Health Innovation Demo Day

Learn more

If you want to learn more about the Forward to Health Innovation program, get involved, or support our work, please visit the program’s official website.

Forward to Health Innovation consortium

Smion and the University of Zagreb are the lead organizations of the Forward to Health Innovation program.

The Center for Research, Development, and Technology Transfer (CIRTT) at the University of Zagreb conducts research aimed at generating new knowledge and ideas, emphasizing scientific excellence and the transfer of innovations to society and the economy. It contributes to sustainable development in science, technology, and society.

Smion is developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting startups from the idea stage to market entry. Services include incubation, acceleration, and corporate innovation, with a focus on agrifood, healthtech, and greentech for sustainable development.

EIT Health was founded in 2015 as a “Knowledge and Innovation Community” (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It provides solutions that enable European citizens to live longer, healthier lives by promoting innovation through connecting the right people and the right topics across European borders, allowing innovation to happen at the intersection of research, education, and business—for the benefit of citizens.