InnoStars enters a new chapter to advance innovation in emerging European regions
A new phase begins as InnoStars transitions into an independent non-profit organisation, expanding its mission as a Life Sciences Cluster to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and foster international collaboration, particularly in moderate and emerging innovation regions.
Growing from a decade of collaboration within the EIT Health network, InnoStars has become one of Europe’s most experienced health innovation networks. Working across 13 countries in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe, it connected institutions, innovators and regions. This heritage is reflected in a trusted network of over 50 partner institutions and more than 400 start-ups supported to date. Through years of hands-on experience, InnoStars has helped strengthen regional innovation capacity and foster long-term collaboration.
Today, this experience provides the foundation for a broader mission. Building on a decade of expertise in health-related innovation and ecosystem development, InnoStars is expanding its role as a Life Sciences Cluster, applying its experience to wider innovation challenges at the intersection of life sciences, technology and sustainable development through international collaboration. This includes supporting innovation and collaboration in areas such as biotechnology, digital health, AI-assisted solutions and immersive technologies.
Moving forward, InnoStars will continue developing regional ecosystems by encouraging collaboration, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange. Its activities will focus on facilitating cross-border cooperation, supporting consortium building, connecting stakeholders through matchmaking initiatives and helping projects that contribute to sustainable regional growth.
The organisation will also continue delivering initiatives under programmes including Horizon Europe, I3 and other regional development schemes, while expanding its networking, advisory and broader innovation support activities.
“We see this as the beginning of a new chapter,” said Szilárd Szobol, Interim Managing Director of InnoStars. “Our values, expertise and commitment remain the same, but this transition gives us greater flexibility to respond to changing priorities, engage locally and adapt quickly to the needs of regional innovation ecosystems. Our ambition is to build stronger connections between people, institutions and projects, helping emerging regions unlock their full potential.”
While the organisation will no longer operate within EIT Health governance structures, it remains committed to strengthening innovation capacity, particularly in regions with moderate and emerging innovation performance.
In parallel, InnoStars is adopting a more diversified funding model, combining European and national programmes with service-based activities designed to ensure long-term sustainability and operational stability.
About InnoStars
InnoStars is a non-profit association dedicated to strengthening innovation capacity in emerging and moderate innovation regions. As a Life Sciences Cluster, it supports regional ecosystems through international collaboration, connecting start-ups, researchers, institutions and public stakeholders with knowledge, partnerships and opportunities that help innovation grow.