DESIRE Event Summaries

DESIRE Event Summaries

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**Focus on Digital Health**
*20 December 2022 – Austria – 18 participants*
This early event introduced DESIRE’s mission to support SMEs in digital health. With 18 participants, it created a first space for startups and experts to exchange on market barriers and opportunities. The session highlighted Austria’s role in driving Health 4.0 adoption and set the stage for DESIRE’s collaborative journey.

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**HTH Virtual: Climate and Health**
*26 January 2023 – Austria – 72 participants*
This online session brought together 72 participants to explore the link between climate change and healthcare innovation. Discussions revolved around sustainable solutions and how health SMEs can integrate eco-friendly practices. The event showed strong interest in green transition as part of DESIRE’s goals.

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**IT Managers Club**
*16 February 2023 – Romania – 22 participants*
Hosted in Romania, this event connected 22 IT and healthcare managers to discuss digitalization trends in healthcare. The meeting provided SMEs with practical networking opportunities and insights into local health IT challenges, underlining the importance of partnerships.

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**LevelUP Health & Life-Sciences Accelerator**
*22 March 2023 – Romania – 30 participants*
A hands-on accelerator event, LevelUP gathered 30 participants including startups and mentors. The focus was on preparing life sciences SMEs for growth, with pitch sessions, feedback from industry leaders, and networking opportunities. It strengthened Romania’s role as a DESIRE innovation hub.

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**Cluj Innovation Days 2023: “A New Dawn in the Digital Era”**
*26 May 2023 – Romania – 60 participants*
Cluj Innovation Days gathered 60 participants for a multi-stakeholder exchange on digital transformation. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and healthcare providers discussed how AI and eHealth can support regional development. The event raised visibility for local innovators and aligned them with DESIRE’s European vision.

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**Explore Pilot and Testing Opportunities for Healthcare SMEs**
*1 June 2023 – Austria – 66 participants*
With 66 attendees, this session focused on how SMEs can test and validate their solutions in real-life healthcare environments. Hospitals and testbed providers explained collaboration pathways, giving SMEs concrete entry points into clinical validation.

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**E-Health: The Keys to Accessing the French Market**
*27 June 2023 – France – 40 participants*
This workshop attracted 40 participants eager to learn how to navigate the French healthcare system. Speakers explained regulations, reimbursement pathways, and partnership opportunities. SMEs walked away with practical advice to tailor their market strategies for France.

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**DESIRE Funding Call: Opening & Info Webinar**
*13 September 2023 – France – 46 participants*
This online session officially launched the DESIRE cascade funding scheme. With 46 participants, the webinar explained eligibility, evaluation, and benefits. It marked a milestone for DESIRE, directly engaging SMEs to apply for funding.

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**Interizon Day 2023**
*28 September 2023 – Poland – 76 participants*
Interizon Day brought together 76 participants from Poland’s ICT and healthtech communities. The event highlighted DESIRE’s opportunities for Polish SMEs and promoted collaboration across the digital and healthcare sectors. It also showcased success stories from the local ecosystem.

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**DESIRE Funding Call: Extended Q&A**
*6 October 2023 – France – 14 participants*
A smaller, interactive Q&A session for 14 participants offered clarifications on funding applications. SMEs could ask practical questions on budget templates, eligibility, and service vouchers, ensuring smoother applications.

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**LevelUP Health 2023**
*8–9 November 2023 – Romania – 100+ participants*
This flagship Romanian event drew over 100 participants. Startups pitched solutions to investors, while panels explored eHealth trends, AI in diagnostics, and regulatory hurdles. It provided unmatched networking for SMEs and reinforced DESIRE’s ecosystem-building mission.

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**Cluj IT Anniversary Event**
*16 November 2023 – Romania – 80 participants*
Marking Cluj IT’s anniversary, this event attracted 80 participants, celebrating achievements in Romania’s digital health ecosystem. It emphasized the region’s growing influence in European healthtech and strengthened ties with DESIRE partners.

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**Steirischer Exporttag 2024**
*June 2024 – Austria – 150+ participants*
Exporttag gathered over 150 companies to explore international opportunities. The DESIRE booth attracted SMEs interested in South-East Europe, providing direct consultations and showcasing funding opportunities. It boosted DESIRE’s visibility among Austrian exporters.

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**EPU Erfolgstag 2024**
*October 2024 – Austria – 120 participants*
Focused on micro-enterprises and one-person companies, Erfolgstag welcomed 120 participants. The DESIRE team offered consultancy on internationalization and resilience planning, supporting very small businesses to take their first steps into digital health markets.

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**UK Trade Mission**
*April 2024 – London – 25 participants*
The UK mission brought 25 participants to London for the Digital Healthcare Show and targeted B2B meetings. Startups explored UK market dynamics, met hospitals and universities, and one Austrian SME signed a collaboration agreement with a British partner. The mission gave SMEs a valuable entry into the UK healthtech ecosystem.

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**UAE Trade Mission**
*January 2025 – Dubai – 13 participants*
The UAE mission, part of Arab Health 2025, brought 13 Austrian SMEs, R&D institutions, and policymakers to Dubai. Participants visited hospitals, pharma companies, and innovation hubs. The mission highlighted booming opportunities in the Gulf region and set the basis for follow-up collaborations. SMEs gained firsthand insight into regulatory and business practices in the UAE market.

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