Innovation in technology relating to health systems and services is crucial to increasing European growth and development, and to improving the sustainability of its healthcare system. The healthcare industry has also been identified as one of those that is driving a knowledge-based economy, and creating new high-quality jobs. This improves the quality of life for all of Europe’s citizens, and healthcare technology can certainly be of benefit both within the EU and around the globe.
There are diverse avenues for innovation within the health systems and services sectors. For example, eHealth is seen as having huge potential for transforming healthcare. Telemedicine is another that shows excellent potential for offering innovative products and new ways of organising health systems. The development of new medical devices can help increase safety and efficiency in healthcare, and is also an important source of jobs in the European Union. Innovations in the delivery of health services are becoming of prime importance, as more and more people prefer to be treated in their homes rather than in hospitals or clinics. Innovation in technology can facilitate these kinds of services being offered.
It is clear that innovation in health technology matters, at all levels of European society – from policy makers to industry players to citizens of all ages and backgrounds. EIT Health aims to be one of the main catalysts driving such innovations in Europe.
It is committed to finding and developing solutions to European healthcare problems. In 2016 it expects to incubate approximately 80 new business ideas, rising to 140 in 2018. It also aims to create 70 start-ups per year and have 1,000,000 students taking part in its educational online programme by 2018.
A Summer Programme for Health Innovation
As part of its commitment to innovation, EIT Health will be hosting a Summer School, selecting 40 students to transform creative ideas from their research into products, services and policies for advancing health, and for economic, social and cultural benefit. The programme combines theoretical and practice-based learning, using real industry projects from the medical, health and technology sectors.
Participants will work in a fun and transformative learning environment that is designed around the practical and transferable skills necessary for successful innovation. Participants will learn about active and healthy ageing, industry challenges and opportunities, the art of idea creation, the language of business and the basis of entrepreneurship, and business plan development, including project management and entrepreneurial financing.
Successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will take part as guest speakers, to share and discuss their experiences, while a coach will work with participants on pitching their innovative ideas. A selected set of participants’ business plans will be presented to and reviewed by an expert audience.
Join the EIT Health Community
Entrepreneurial scientists, researchers, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and innovators are invited to submit their applications to the EIT Health Summer School. Interested individuals should submit their CV and cover letter, explaining the creative idea they’d like to develop, and how they intend to use it to benefit European health systems and services.
Selected applicants will participate in two sessions: the first will be held at Trinity College Dublin (6-10 July 2015) and the second at IESE Business School Barcelona (27 – 31 July 2015). There is no registration fee. EIT Health, Trinity and IESE cover costs and meals, and accommodation at a reduced price is arranged at both sites. This and travel expenses are to be covered by participants.
Applications should be submitted by 7 June 2015 via the website: http://www.eit-health.eu/summerschool
For additional information please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Flyer EIT Health Summerschool 2015
