EU's Innovative Health Initiative Fuels Medical Research and Innovation

2025-01-16 population

Brussels, Thursday, 16 January 2025.
The EU’s Innovative Health Initiative funds groundbreaking healthcare technology advancements, crucial for medical research progress and enhancing Europe’s health industry competitiveness.

Launch of Major Research Funding

On 16 January 2025, the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) announced a significant €191 million call for proposals [1]. This funding initiative encompasses two major calls - IHI call 9 and call 10 - focusing on critical areas including health data management, digital labeling, and environmental concerns in healthcare [1][3]. The program represents a vital component of the EU’s broader €1.4 billion commitment to deep tech research announced in the European Innovation Council Work Programme 2025 [2].

Strategic Focus Areas

The initiative has outlined five strategic objectives in IHI call 9, specifically targeting innovation in health determinants, integration of fragmented health R&I efforts, and people-centered healthcare solutions [3]. A particularly noteworthy aspect is the emphasis on digital transformation, with dedicated funding for projects exploring the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and digital labeling for medical technology products [3]. These initiatives align with the EU’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare cybersecurity, as evidenced by the recent action plan for improving threat detection and crisis response in the healthcare sector [5].

Public Health Impact and Innovation

The timing of these initiatives coincides with significant developments in European public health strategy. The upcoming European Public Health Week (EUPHW), scheduled for May 12-16, 2025, will focus on ‘Innovation for Resilience: Shaping a Sustainable Future’ [4]. This demonstrates the EU’s coordinated approach to healthcare innovation, combining research funding with practical implementation. The initiative’s impact is further strengthened by new rules for health technology assessments, effective from January 16, 2025, aimed at accelerating access to innovative health solutions [6].

Future Prospects and Implementation

To ensure successful implementation, the IHI has established a robust support structure for applicants, including comprehensive guidance and networking opportunities [3]. The initiative’s approach to funding distribution reflects a strategic balance between applicant-driven innovation and targeted research areas. This aligns with the WHO European Region’s emphasis on systems thinking and innovation, particularly in addressing noncommunicable diseases, which account for over 85% of premature deaths in the region [7].

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