In October 2024, DHI Cluster Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EIT Health, launching a partnership to drive healthcare innovation in Bulgaria and beyond. This agreement is a key step in creating opportunities for collaboration, funding, and knowledge sharing, strengthening Bulgaria’s role in the European health innovation ecosystem.
Collaboration Goals
The MoU outlines key areas where DHI Cluster Bulgaria and EIT Health will work together:
- Support for Innovation: Helping local startups, small businesses, and researchers by connecting them to EIT Health’s resources, funding programs, and mentorship.
- Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the exchange of expertise and ideas between Bulgarian innovators and EIT Health’s European network.
- Joint Projects: Developing partnerships to tackle important healthcare challenges with new technologies and international collaboration.
- Networking: Bringing local innovators together with European partners through events, workshops, and other activities.
EIT Health would like to establish strong presence and boost its operation in Bulgaria, so we would like to be the bridge between Bulgarian healthcare ecosystem and EU. We have a structured program, called Network Partnership that can help hospitals, clinics, universities, companies and other healthcare stakeholders to realize the benefits of the biggest healthcare network in Europe, such as access to knowledge, money and markets.
Highlights from the Signing Event
The signing ceremony followed an event hosted by DHI Cluster Bulgaria, where EIT Health representatives shared insights into their mission and programs:
- Zsolt Bubori, Ecosystem Lead for Hungary, discussed EIT Health’s work to improve healthcare accessibility and innovation.
- Peter Nagy, External Financing Lead, explained funding options available to startups and research institutions.
- Rudolf Kovács, Ecosystem Associate, highlighted the importance of building collaborative networks.
- Gergely Mikesy, from Semmelweis University, presented examples of innovative digital health solutions and data-driven healthcare approaches.
Driving Change Together
“At DHI Cluster Bulgaria, we are committed to supporting healthcare innovation through partnerships like this one. By working with EIT Health, we aim to provide better opportunities for Bulgarian innovators to connect, collaborate, and grow within the European healthcare ecosystem. This MoU reflects our shared goal of advancing healthcare through access to funding, expertise, and partnerships. We look forward to building on this collaboration and sharing updates on new projects and initiatives soon!”, highlighted Mira Ganova, CEO at DHI Cluster Bulgaria
More about EIT Health
EIT Health was established in 2015 as a “Knowledge and Innovation Community” (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EIT consists of various KICs, each focusing on a different sector or area of innovation -in EIT Health’s case, health and aging. EIT Health facilitates innovative solutions aimed at strengthening healthcare systems, promoting better health for citizens, and contributing to a sustainable health economy in Europe. To maximize societal impact, their work is strategically focused on flagship initiatives that address pressing health priorities.
