On November 25, 2024, at MIND – Milano Innovation District, CATCH atMIND, the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) coordinated by the University of Milan, was inaugurated.

Bio4Dreams is one of the key partners of the initiative, offering personalized incubation and acceleration services that combine managerial skills, scientific know-how, and strategic solutions.

A Hub to Drive Innovation in Life Sciences

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are EU-funded centers that accelerate the digital transformation of businesses and public administrations. They offer technological support, training, and access to funding, promoting the adoption of advanced solutions like artificial intelligence (AI), supercomputing, and cybersecurity.

CATCH atMIND, one of these hubs, is one of the most ambitious projects at the European level and aims to promote the adoption of innovative digital technologies in the health sector.

The project has received the Seal of Excellence from the European Commission and will be funded by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) through PNRR funds.

The hub primarily targets entrepreneurial projects, startups, innovative SMEs, and public administrations, offering a range of services, including:

• Test before invest: the possibility to verify and validate digital solutions before adoption;
• Training programs: initiatives to enhance digital skills;
• Support in accessing funding: assistance in securing funds for innovation;
• Creation of value networks: connecting stakeholders and ecosystems to foster collaboration.
  These services aim to facilitate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in health and life sciences.

A Network of Excellence

Coordinated by the University of Milan, the project involves 15 top-tier partners from the academic, clinical, technological, business, and third-sector fields.

These include IRCCS Galeazzi – Sant’Ambrogio Hospital, Arexpo, Fondazione Triulza, Bio4Dreams, Cariplo Factory, TIM, University of Pavia, University of Brescia, University of Milano-Bicocca, CY4GATE, ComplexData, Advice Pharma, EDI.IT, Lean Experience Factory, and i&T HUB.

Bio4Dreams’ Role

Bio4Dreams will play a central role in supporting entrepreneurship by developing tailored paths for startups and innovative SMEs. Activities will focus on three main areas:

• Preliminary assessment: analysis of intellectual property (IP), market potential, and development plans to assess project viability;
• Personalized incubation (6-9 months): strategic support to turn ideas into sustainable businesses, with activities including business planning, networking, and operational development;
• Personalized acceleration: support for startups from the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to market entry, with solutions for strategic and operational growth.

Through its contribution to CATCH atMIND, Bio4Dreams solidifies its position as a promoter of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the Healthcare and Life Sciences sectors. It also strengthens its relationships with other stakeholders in the MIND district.