The European Commission has approved the second Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in the healthcare sector, known as “IPCEI Tech4Cure.” This project is designed to support innovation in medical devices, including the integration of advanced digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The initiative promotes collaborative research and development as well as the initial industrial deployment of these technologies.
Jointly submitted by France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia, the project involves up to €403 million in public funding. This support is expected to leverage an additional €826 million in private investments. Ten companies, including six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will lead highly innovative research and industrialization activities under Tech4Cure.
Tech4Cure focuses on advancing “3P medicine”—predictive, preventive, and personalised healthcare. Predictive medicine identifies health risks early using data analytics, preventive medicine intervenes to stop diseases before they start, and personalised medicine tailors treatments to individual patient profiles. These innovations aim to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance quality of life across the EU.
The project aligns with the EU’s updated Industrial Strategy by strengthening resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability within the Single Market. It supports the green and digital transitions through safe, cutting-edge medical technologies. The initiative is expected to conclude by 2036 and create around 800 jobs across participating Member States.
The Commission assessed the project under the 2021 IPCEI Communication, which allows Member States to support high-risk, breakthrough innovations that may not otherwise materialize due to market failures. The Commission confirmed that the aid is necessary, proportionate, and designed to minimize competition distortions. A claw-back mechanism ensures that overly profitable projects return excess aid to public authorities.
Tech4Cure directly supports EU policy goals such as the European Health Union, the Digital Strategy, and the European Health Data Space. The 10 approved projects focus on key medical areas including cardiovascular diseases, paediatrics, oncology, neonatal care, and ophthalmology. These projects involve high levels of technical and financial risk, justifying public intervention.
Participation in the IPCEI includes over 70 planned collaborations within the ecosystem. In total, 10 projects are led by direct participants, supported by 18 associated partners and approximately 45 indirect partners from four Member States. These include companies and research institutions that benefit from shared knowledge and outcomes.
The Commission played an active role in structuring the IPCEI from its inception. It provided scientific and technical guidance, launched the IPCEI Design Hub, and facilitated SME involvement through simplified procedures and tailored support. As a result, SMEs make up 60% of the direct participants, underlining the project’s inclusive and innovation-driven approach.
