The VHIR and Prous Institute will promote high-impact research projects in early stages of development
The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Prous Institute for Biomedical Research have signed a three-year collaboration agreement to promote high-impact research projects that already form part of the VHIR’s innovation portfolio or are in the selection phase. The aim of this strategic agreement is to promote initiatives with significant biomedical potential which, despite their innovative value, lack sufficient financial resources in their early stages of development. Areas of interest include the development of new drugs, medical devices and digital health solutions, as well as new therapies and diagnostic technologies.
The collaboration will take place through the FIT Programme (Fondo de Impulso Tecnológico, or “Technology Boost Fund” in English), which was designed to provide financial support to high-risk innovative projects and help bring them to the market.
By signing this agreement, Prous Institute undertakes to provide sustained financial contributions over the three-year period to promote and strengthen the FIT Programme.
Not only will Prous Institute help to finance these projects, but it will also form part of the mentorship network of the VHIR’s Innovation and Business Development Directorate. Its proven experience in managing innovation projects and assessing their potential impact will help to optimise the selection and support processes for the chosen initiatives. The collaboration will also facilitate the establishment of cooperation networks involving researchers, institutions and the private sector, fostering synergies that will enhance the success of the projects.
“This agreement reflects the VHIR’s strong commitment to strengthening relationships and creating new synergies between public and private entities, thereby promoting innovation and knowledge transfer activities that derive from research projects,” explained Rafael Navajo, the VHIR’s Director of Innovation and Business Development. The aim is to generate social and financial benefits while improving people’s quality of life through the application of advanced scientific and technological solutions.
“It is an honour to begin this collaboration with the VHIR, one of the leading international biomedical research centres. We feel that the VHIR is totally aligned with our mission to participate and invest in projects based on scientific excellence and our burning passion to find new and original approaches that will help to shape the future of therapeutics,” explained David Prous, executive director at Prous Institute.
“Through this collaboration, the VHIR and Prous Institute strengthen their position as key players in the biomedical research ecosystem, adopting a public-private collaboration model that drives innovation and accelerates the arrival of scientific developments to society,” concluded Dr Begoña Benito, director of the VHIR.
About the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)
The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is a public sector institution that promotes and develops biosanitary research, innovation and education at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. Since 1994, the VHIR has been working to identify and apply new solutions to society’s health challenges. It has achieved recognition for its leadership and excellence in the fields of clinical and translational biomedical research at both the national and international level. It is one of the Research Centres of Catalonia (CERCA centres) and, together with other institutions on the Vall d’Hebron Campus, is accredited as a Health Research Institute by the Carlos III Health Institute.
With a commitment to improving people’s quality of life, the VHIR has developed an innovation ecosystem that combines the scientific excellence of its research groups with a focus on generating a positive societal impact.
The VHIR has engaged in multiple licence transfer agreements with industry stakeholders. It has also collaborated in the creation of 23 spin-off companies specialising in the design of new drugs, the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases, the development of medical devices to improve clinical procedures and patients’ quality of life, and the creation of digital health solutions, among other areas of specialisation.
Further information is available at: https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en
About the Prous Institute for Biomedical Research
The Prous Institute for Biomedical Research seeks to drive the discovery of new therapies and diagnostic technologies. It combines the development of its own initiatives in the fields of AI, data analysis and drug discovery with strategic partnerships and investments in early-stage biomedical research projects.
With more than six decades of experience in the field of life sciences, the Prous Institute has the knowledge and skills to accelerate translational research and, in doing so, improve the health and quality of life of its patients.
Our commitment to innovation is built on a collaborative model that fosters partnerships with prestigious academic institutions, government research agencies and benchmark hospital centres. In addition to our internal developments, our investment portfolio currently holds 10 biotechnology and AI companies, including Prous Institute spin-offs.
Further information is available at www.prousresearch.com