Hospital Innovation Challenge -  AI-Powered Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra

About 

The Hospital Innovation Challenge (HIC) is a European initiative launched by Health Cluster Portugal (HCP), Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), and EIT Health InnoStars, within the scope of the TEF-Health and DigiHealthPT projects. The challenge connects startups and SMEs with real-world clinical and administrative needs identified by leading European hospitals. In its first phase, hospital partners submitted key challenges from their daily operations. Now, in this second phase, startups and SMEs are invited to choose one of those challenges and submit a technology-driven solution.

A jury will evaluate all proposals and select the six most innovative solutions, which will be presented live at the Innovating Health Together (IHT) Conference, taking place on 28 October 2025 at the Super Bock Arena in Porto, Portugal. Selected participants will receive free access to the conference and will pitch their ideas during a dedicated session. The three most promising solutions will be awarded specialised innovation support services from DigiHealthPT—offering a valuable opportunity to accelerate implementation and collaboration with healthcare providers.

The Challenge  

Presented by Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra (Coimbra, Portugal), this challenge focuses on developing innovative AI tools to improve early detection of skin cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Early diagnosis dramatically improves treatment outcomes, yet many patients—especially in remote or underserved areas—lack timely access to dermatological evaluations. The challenge seeks scalable, ethical AI-powered solutions that can support early screening by analyzing skin images or symptoms and assessing the likelihood of malignancy. These tools should empower both patients and primary care providers with decision-support systems that facilitate earlier referrals and clinical intervention, ultimately reducing diagnostic delays and improving survival rates.

Timeframe

Deadline for Submitting Proposals: 31/07/2025 

Who can apply  

The tender is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as other entities, as as specified in the procedure's descriptive document.

How to apply 

If you need more information about Innovating Health Together Conference, please access the official website: https://www.ihtconference.com/. If you need more information about Innovating Health Together Conference, please access the official website: https://www.ihtconference.com/.

The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.