CataloniaBio  & HealthTech have launched the IVD Accelerator Programme, with the support of ACCIÓ (Generalitat  de Catalunya), to boost projects from In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) companies, providing specialist assistance and  training in key areas such as evaluation of technologies, related regulatory issues and market access strategies, among others.

The evolution of the Catalan healthcare sector industry is very positive in many aspects, from the creation of companies, employment, investment attraction and pipeline growth of innovative products. On the other hand, the pandemic has brought to the table the debate on development and product supply chains at local level, as well as the need to strengthen the processes needed to meet demands in the face of transformations in the ecosystem of life and health sciences. "We must now focus on the transition from science to product,  providing tools to drive development and deliver these products and services to  patients. With the IVD Accelerator Programme, we hope to be the driving force for companies to increase their competitiveness, while strengthening the system, in response to major challenges”, says Melqui Calzado, Secretary General of CataloniaBio & HealthTech.

 The IVD Accelerator Programme was presented this morning at an event at the Parc Científic de Barcelona, attended by representatives from the ten companies that will participate in the programme as well as experts from the different companies that will provide the assistance.

Specialist training and assistance

The IVD Accelerator Programme is structured in three blocks: evaluation of technologies, regulatory aspects of the In Vitro Diagnostics products, and market access strategy. Participants will receive training sessions on these three  main areas of knowledge with international experts, which will be completed  with networking sessions to strengthen relationships with other key agents in the IVD development system. What’s more, as part of the programme, each company will have access to expert  advice for their particular case.

“The programme will allow us to get to know and access different stakeholders, who give  us specialist advice in critical areas for the development of the company. Access to personalised and confidential advice is also crucial for launching our product, an IVD for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer (WomEC)”, explains Marina Rigau, CEO and co-fundadora of MiMARK and IVD Accelerator Programme participant.

The programme lasts four months, from February to May 2022. It is aimed exclusively at CataloniaBio & HealthTech members and the participating companies have been previously identified from the subgroup of partners working on IVD tools.

This is the third programme run by CataloniaBio & HealthTech, following the BIOMED ScaleUp, held in 2021, to help start-ups and companies in the sector grow, and Valor Compartit, for transitioning to become a more sustainable business.

More information about IVD Accelerator Programme here.