Fit For Health
"Fit for Health" is a network of experts for the successful participation of research centres, universities and innovative SMEs in EU-funded "HEALTH" research projects.
The “Fit for Health” initiative started in October 2010 with the main objective to offer advice and support to SMEs, SME groupings and researchers and assist them in participating in EU-funded research projects in the Health thematic priority of FP7. The “Fit for Health” support aims to improve the quality of research project proposals submitted in the Health thematic priority of FP7 and increase the participation rate of SMEs. It focuses on the capacity building and training of SMEs and researchers in their preparation of EU-funded projects and, on the other hand, it provides as well support activities for consortium building and matchmaking for SMEs and researchers preparing EU project proposals.
The team of 27 partners comprises highly experienced research management companies and FP7 national contact points (NCPs) for “Health” and “SMEs”, with renowned innovation experts and trainers. It ensures the excellent coverage of the entire innovation pipeline in helping innovative SMEs, researchers from universities and research centres during all phases of FP7 projects, from the project idea to the efficient and effective valorisation of project results.
“Fit for Health” is optimally connected to other key support networks for SMEs, offering a synergistic benefit for SMEs and researchers acting in the Health-related area.
Activities and Services offered
Cooperation between SMEs and academia is strongly encouraged by dedicated services and tools. A well-established, highly visible and quality proven database gives SMEs and researchers the opportunity to present their expertise and know-how. This increases their visibility among Europe's research community in the Health sector and maximises their chances of being identified as potential research partners for EU funded projects. Research consortia that are preparing project proposals and are looking for SME partners can register their project idea in the database.
Particular attention is given to SMEs in enlarged Europe, Acceding and Candidate countries in establishing platforms for SMEs acting in the life sciences area and considering particular needs and barriers of SMEs in those countries. Target group-specific on-site and virtual trainings for FP7 Newcomers, Applicants and participants of funded FP7 projects as well as exploitation trainings are a hallmark of the project.
Strategy meetings and - trainings support SMEs and clusters for a strategic, sustainable approach towards FP7. The next strategy training will take place on 11-12 June 2013 in Brussels and further information will be available soon on the website. A dedicated strategy conference, focussing on opportunities for SMEs in Horizon 2020, the new Framework Programme starting in beginning of 2014 will be organised in connection to this training (http://www.fitforhealth.eu/events.aspx).
Further information about the project's activities, FP7 issues, useful links, contacts and access to the database can be found at http://www.fitforhealth.eu
Source: Fit For Health
- FP7
- International; Other
- Medical and Health Sciences
Entry created by Danaja Lorencic on January 14, 2013
Modified on May 1, 2013
