1. CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE OF THE CALL

SPIN4EIC – EIC BAS Innovation Procurement Programme, in the context of the assistance to Regione Lombardia, is launching this Call for Expression of Interest to identify EIC Beneficiaries willing to carry out a pilot project on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported interpretation of prostate MRI scans.

This pilot aims to support future procurement by testing innovative AI-based solutions in a real clinical environment, aligned with Regione Lombardia's public healthcare strategies and technical standards. The solutions must enhance the reporting process during prostate cancer screening while respecting structured reporting standards (PI-RADS 2.1).

The selected EIC Beneficiary will implement the pilot project action in cooperation with representatives of Regione Lombardia, who will provide strategic and operational support throughout the process — from project preparation to execution and assessment. Regione Lombardia expresses strong interest and a high level of commitment to facilitating the testing of innovative AI solutions for prostate MRI reporting, ensuring the availability of internal resources and expertise to help achieve the pilot’s objectives and support potential future adoption.

The selection of the EIC Beneficiary will be done by Regione Lombardia.

The selected EIC Beneficiary will:

• Technical planning of the pilot project: Joint definition of specific objectives, work plan, and timeline in collaboration with Regione Lombardia.
• Adaptation of the AI solution to the local clinical context: Customization and configuration of the AI platform for the analysis of prostate MRI scans, in accordance with the established screening protocol.
• Installation and integration of the solution: Deployment of the solution at the designated reference centers, ensuring compatibility with local IT infrastructure and compliance with data privacy and health information regulations.
• Training and support for medical personnel: Delivery of training sessions and supporting materials to radiologists and technicians for the correct use of the AI solution.
• Execution of the pilot test on real clinical cases: Application of the AI algorithm to real MRI scans within the screening program, in collaboration with the appointed radiologists.
• Monitoring and data collection: Collection of technical, diagnostic, and qualitative data related to the performance of the solution during the pilot phase.
• Performance evaluation: Analysis of results based on predefined indicators (e.g., accuracy, reporting time, clinical feedback).
• Final report and recommendations: Preparation of a technical and operational report outlining results, challenges, potential improvements, and recommendations for potential large-scale adoption.
• Ongoing collaboration with Regione Lombardia: Regular participation in coordination meetings and updates with the regional team to ensure alignment and mutual support.

It is expected that the pilot action will start in September 2025 and will be implemented for 6 months.

The selected EIC Beneficiary will be responsible for implementing the pilot entirely at their own cost, as no financial contribution or reimbursement will be provided by either Regione Lombardia or the EIC.

2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify, the applicant must be an EIC Beneficiary (SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups, as well as any other relevant entity, offering or working on innovative solutions). In particular, the applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be an EIC awardee under a Horizon 2020 grant or a Horizon Europe grant/equity

3. CRITERIA FOR SHORTLISTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST  

The eligible expressions of interest will be assessed against the following assessment criteria:

4. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested EIC Beneficiaries are invited to submit their Expression of Interest via the following link: Application Form

The application form is to be completed in English.

Following submission, Expression of interest will be checked against the eligibility criteria and assessed according to the assessment criteria of this Call.

The shortlisted candidate may be invited to sign a Letter of Intent with Regione Lombardia for pilot implementation, in compliance with the above-mentioned conditions.

The shortlisting of an expression of interest does not constitute a binding commitment – either implicit or explicit – on the part of the SPIN4EIC to provide support for the implementation of Regione Lombardia’s pilot project on Interpreting prostate MRI scans.

5. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is 10 July 2025, 13:00 CEST.

Expressions of interest submitted after the deadline of this Call will not be considered.

6. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Applicants shall not have any actual or/and potential conflict of interest with the SPIN4EIC selection process and during the whole project; and between the EIC companies/applicants and Regione Lombardia. All cases of conflict of interest will be assessed case by case. In particular, applicants cannot be SPIN4EIC consortium partners or affiliated entities nor their employees or co-operators under a contractual agreement. Any omission or false declaration regarding the absence of conflicts of interest may result in exclusion from participation in the project.