CEIN Health Programme Competes in Nantes for the EU|BIC Excellence Awards Prize

EBN’s mission to identify, celebrate, disseminate, and spotlight the most effective business support practices within the EU|BIC community will be on stage 13 June at the CIC Ouest’s, the venue for the EBN Congress 2024

CEIN, short for Centro Europeo de Empresas e Innovación de Navarra, EU|BIC associate since 2021, will be representing Spain in the grand final of the EU|BIC Excellence Awards. One of the 7 selected programmes to pitch on stage for the Most Impactful Programme title, CEIN, and its CEIN Health programme, show the compromise of the newests EU|BICs in bringing fresh ideas to the broader EU|BIC community.

The European Business & Innovation Centre Network (EBN), celebrating its 40th anniversary, aims to highlight the best practices within the EU|BICs.

Navarra, with an already established health cluster in the region, was ready for taking matters to the next step. The programme began with a pilot in 2016 to support healthcare entrepreneurship. It was fully conceived and implemented in its current form in Navarra in 2021, with successful editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The 2024 edition is currently ongoing.

This comprehensive programme covers all phases of the business creation process, involving key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It focuses on three main areas: Medical Devices (MedTech), Digital Health (e-Health), and Biotechnology. Targeted at entrepreneurs, startups, health professionals, and researchers with innovative health-related ideas or projects based in Navarra, the programme includes seven services: project acceleration, startup scaling, masterclasses, a Health Innovation Academy, international development, ecosystem access, and business incubation services.

Impact

Over three editions, the programme has supported 186 entrepreneurs, 70 projects, and 41 startups, with a significant portion led by women. It has generated 277 jobs and substantial economic contributions through participating companies. The programme addresses high-impact health challenges and promotes sustainability and digital transformation in the health sector.

This is propelling Navarra to exceed expectations in the health industry, advancing beyond its already impressive framework of 85 companies, 5 research centers, 3 universities, and 2 leading hospitals. In 2020, the sector’s turnover reached €791 million, marking a 20% growth compared to 2016.

Transferability

The CEIN Health programme is designed to be transferable to other regional ecosystems, addressing global health challenges with a structured methodology that can be adapted to different contexts. Key lessons include the importance of initial sector analysis, stakeholder involvement, long-term sustainability, and measurable outcomes. The Spanish EU|BIC offers mentorship and support for organizations interested in adopting the programme.

As the EBN Congress 2024 approaches, anticipation is growing. This landmark event will bring together key innovators and business support leaders. CEIN Health’s success story in Navarra, Spain, highlights its potential for adaptation in other regions, promoting global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

With a proven track record over the past 8 years, and a bold vision, CEIN continues to drive innovation and excellence in the health industry. Now, with its place in the EU|BIC Excellence Awards final, it extends its impact to the international stage.

Stay tuned for the next sneak peak of the 7 finalist programmes and join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation at the EBN Congress 2024!

More about the EU|BIC — More about the programme