The INNOV4LIFE project, which has UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto as a partner, has opened a call to support startups, SMEs and companies with innovative digital solutions in the healthcare sector, with a special focus on dementia and cognitive decline

The initiative offers companies the opportunity to co-create, test and validate technologies with real users through a cross-border network of Living Labs located in Galicia and Northern Portugal.

Selected companies will have access to the project’s Living Labs for real-world testing, technical, clinical and system validation (TRL 1–9), usability audits, as well as prototyping and co-implementation support. Strategic mentoring sessions, networking opportunities in the European digital health ecosystem and greater visibility to accelerate market entry will also be offered.

The call is aimed at startups (less than 10 years old), SMEs, large companies and individual entrepreneurs working in the field of digital health or related technologies. Projects must be innovative, scalable, market-oriented and user-centred. There are three types of application: one focused on solutions still in the ideation phase, another on projects in advanced non-clinical development, and the last for clinical validation at the Vigo Living Lab. Priority will be given to solutions that respond to challenges related to ageing, dementia and cognitive decline.

Applications are open until 20 October 2025 and can be submitted on the project website, where more information about the call is available.

INNOV4LIFE: collaborative innovation in health

The INNOV4LIFE project is co-financed by the European Union through the Spain-Portugal Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Programme (Interreg POCTEP). It is led by the University of Porto, through Porto4Ageing, and also includes the Galician Health Service, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the Galician Health Knowledge Agency, AFAGA Alzheimer and Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Riba de Ave. In total, it has overall funding of €1.5 million.