i4KIDS Project, led by one of the principal investigators of Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute awarded with the National Research Prize

The Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI) held a press conference today to announce the individuals and entities awarded in the 2024 edition.

The i4KIDS Pediatric Innovation Hub at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, led by Arnau Valls, principal investigator of the Healthcare Technology Innovation Research Group at the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute (IRSJD), has been selected for the National Prize for the Promotion of Knowledge Transfer 2024, endowed with €10,000, in recognition of its creation of a comprehensive collaborative ecosystem for the valorization and transfer of knowledge in the pediatric and maternal health sectors.

i4KIDS Pediatric Innovation Hub

i4KIDS is a Pediatric Innovation Hub, coordinated by SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital in Barcelona, dedicated to identifying and supporting innovation projects in pediatrics and maternal health that have the potential to bring meaningful change to society and the care of children.

Healthcare Technology Innovation Research Group

The Sant Joan de Déu Healthcare Technology Innovation Group, led by Arnau Valls, focuses on transforming excellence in research and clinical care into new products, services, and processes that enhance patient experience, improve public health, and reduce the per capita cost of healthcare services.

With a multidisciplinary team and an open innovation model in collaboration with other professionals and companies, the group researches, develops, and supports the transfer of technological solutions to address needs identified by patients or their families, hospital professionals, other healthcare centers, or external individuals.

The group is part of some of the leading innovation ecosystems in pediatrics and collaborates with initiatives involving companies and centers from various sectors, including: ITEMAS (Medical and Healthcare Technology Innovation Platform), Kids Cluster, BIB (Bioinformatics of Barcelona) and The International Society for Pediatric Innovation. Additionally, it partners with national and international institutions and programs focused on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector.

The National Research Awards of Catalonia

The National Research Awards of Catalonia are prizes granted by the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI) and the Government of Catalonia, aimed at promoting scientific outreach and recognizing excellence in research and innovation.

These awards, presented annually, seek to highlight Catalonia's scientific talent and enhance the impact of research on society and the economy.

The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 17, at 6:00 PM, at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC), and will be presided over by the Honorable President of the Government of Catalonia.