Gate2Brain recognized by the Wild Card program at Pediatric Innovation Day

The Wild Card program in the field of pediatrics, powered by EIT Health and the pediatric innovation hub i4KIDS, has selected the start-up Gate2Brain to participate in its acceleration program.

Wild Card is an acceleration program that connects early-stage startups with the resources they need to validate their healthcare challenge. In 2023, for the first time in history, EIT Health has partnered with i4KIDS and the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona to accelerate pediatric innovations.

"It is essential to carry out acceleration programs like Wild Card, focused on the field of pediatrics and maternity, to drive the arrival of real solutions to the market aimed at meeting the needs of these groups. Collaborating with EIT Health and its team has been a great experience for the entire team, both clinical and technical, who have participated in different phases of the project," explains Arnau Valls, director of i4KIDS.

Gate2Brain, one of the 7 startups selected to be part of the acceleration program

Gate2Brain was founded in 2020 by Dr. Meritxell Teixidó, CEO of the company, with the participation of the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, the Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, and the Universitat de Barcelona (UB). The company, located in the Barcelona Science Park, collaborates with the Pediatric Cancer Program of the Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu. Gate2Brain has designed a shuttle peptide that can transport drugs through the blood-brain barrier to treat DIPG and other brain diseases. An innovative administration method that improves efficacy with fewer side effects.

"For Gate2Brain participating in EIT Health Wild Card programme has been an unforgettable journey, learning from mentors and teams, creating a strong network of stakeholders and the opportunity to travel to the Pediatric Innovation Day in Warsaw to deliver our pitch. Being selected as runner-up of the award is the recognition of a team effort that give us the energy to keep going beyond barriers to beat pediatric brain tumors with our initial product that uses our technology to cross the blood-brain barrier," comments Dr. Meritxell Teixidó.

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Innocens and Gate2Brain, recognised by the Wild Card program at the Pediatric Innovation Day 2023. I4KIDS.