Boosting innovation for a better understanding of the determinants of health

Overview

Funding for pre-competitive research and innovation projects that advance understanding of health determinants and priority disease areas, targeting collaborative public-private partnerships. Focuses on developing novel tools, methods, and technologies to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising public and private entities, including industry, academia, healthcare providers, and patient organizations. Applicants must demonstrate cross-sectoral collaboration and alignment with the Innovative Health Initiative’s (IHI) objectives.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding per project: 60,000,000 EUR
• Total budget: Not specified
• Funding rate: Not specified (likely follows Horizon Europe rules, typically 70% for research actions)
• Co-funding: Not explicitly stated, but consortia must include in-kind contributions from private partners

What Is Funded

• Development of novel tools, methods, and technologies for health innovation, including:

- Prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized medicine - Chronic disease management and digital health solutions - AI, regulatory science, and sustainable healthcare - Integration of health data (e.g., via the European Health Data Space)

• Activities addressing unmet public health needs, such as high-burden diseases or transformational innovations
• Landscape analyses to avoid duplication and identify synergies with existing initiatives
• Regulatory strategies and engagement with authorities (e.g., EMA, HTA agencies)
• Open access to project outputs (e.g., datasets, standards, clinical evidence)

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment)

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-14
• Deadline: 2026-04-20

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal
• Proposal requirements:

- Part A (administrative details, generated in the portal) - Part B (technical proposal, max 50 pages) - Compulsory annexes (e.g., budget table, in-kind contributions, clinical studies declaration)

• Evaluation criteria: Alignment with expected impacts, innovation, feasibility, and consortium capability

Post-Award Obligations

• Compliance with IHI JU’s Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability (3A) conditions
• Open access to project-generated outputs (e.g., data, standards)
• Reporting on clinical utility and economic efficiency (if applicable)
• Engagement with regulators and health technology assessment bodies

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions
• Application language: English

Notes

• Projects must align with IHI JU’s Specific Objective 1 (understanding health determinants) and contribute to EU policies (e.g., Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, European Green Deal).
• Consortia must include contributing partners (private entities providing in-kind contributions) and demonstrate patient-centricity and scalability of solutions.
• Overlap with existing initiatives must be avoided; proposals must include a synergy plan.