Advancing AI in Medical Imaging: Empowering EIC Innovators through Collaboration with Euro-BioImaging ERIC

On Monday, November 4th, Euro-BioImaging and the European Innovation Council (EIC) took a significant step forward in their collaboration by organising a joint matchmaking event at UZ Leuven. This first-of-its-kind workshop connected EIC-supported startups and SMEs with leading experts from six Euro-BioImaging Nodes, providing a unique platform for direct interaction, hands-on support, and valuable insights into how our research infrastructure can accelerate growth and innovation in healthcare and beyond. Over 60 participants—including some of Europe’s most innovative AI-driven medical imaging companies—engaged in sessions designed to bridge the gap between R&D needs and cutting-edge technological resources.

Hosted within the Flanders BioImaging Node of Euro-BioImaging, this event demonstrated the importance and unique capacity to leverage our strong network’s expertise. “Flanders BioImaging has a strong track record of providing imaging services to industry and we were delighted to be involved in the coordination and planning of this event. Both to advertise our service offer more widely to the EIC community in the domain of medical imaging, but also to help establish and participate in networks that connect industry with research infrastructures and the enormous amount of relevant local expertise, in this case (and importantly) in addition to the offering from our node,” says Christopher Cawthorne, coordinator of Flanders BioImaging Node.

"Euro-BioImaging is a natural partner to the EIC in its mission to support innovation in Europe," says Anne-Charlotte Joubert, Euro-BioImaging’s senior officer for European Affairs and Stakeholder engagement. “As Europe's gateway to biological and biomedical imaging services, we open doors to  technologies and expertise that can help tackle our most pressing societal challenges, driving science and innovation forward."

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event and special thanks to the six nodes who participated, from Belgium (Flanders BioImaging), the Netherlands (AMMI Maastricht Node & Population Imaging Node), Spain (Population Imaging Node Valencia), Italy (MMMI Italian Node) and Finland (Finnish Biomedical Imaging Node), who shared their expertise at the event.

EIC & Euro-BioImaging matchmaking event

Euro-BioImaging, like other ERICs, is uniquely positioned to support the EIC’s mission of driving European innovation by providing scientists, innovators, startups, and SMEs with access to advanced imaging technologies and expert knowledge. “Working hand in hand with the European Commission, we can create synergies between pillars and support companies along the whole innovation journey, " Anne-Charlotte adds. The pilot workshop establishes a model where EIC beneficiaries can directly interface with RI expertise, which facilitates matching the industry’s need with the cutting-edge capacities and expertise that the research infrastructure provides, thus advancing the research and innovation process. "Euro-BioImaging, through our close to 240 imaging facilities across Europe, has a vast existing expertise and experience in providing services to industry users to tackle their research needs", adds Ilari Pulli, Euro-BioImaging’s Head of Operations.

Claudia Pfander, Strategic Business Developer, explains: “Working closer with SMEs and startups is one of our strategic objectives.” To initiate close collaborations between public and private partners, a good knowledge of the sector and local ecosystem is key. Claudia continues: “By bringing together portfolio management expertise from the EIC, the technical knowledge in imaging, AI-driven data analysis and insights into European imaging capabilities from Euro-BioImaging, and connecting this with the network of researchers and clinicians at the Node, we can boost chances of successful matchmaking.”

Collaborating with the EIC enables Euro-BioImaging to connect pioneering companies with the critical resources they need to bring groundbreaking products to market. “We are very excited to hear the feedback from the participants, and look forward to supporting further initiatives to connect these communities,” says Christopher.

This partnership also highlights the vital role of research infrastructures in Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Together with the EIC, we are committed to strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in innovation.