Open call – Get business acceleration support to shape the future of health with Opella

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is inviting EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups to engage in a business acceleration journey culminating in the EIC Corporate Day with Opella, a leading healthcare company specialising in consumer health solutions. The EIC-backed companies selected to take part in this initiative will receive tailored business support before they participate in an exclusive pitching and matching session with Opella’s experts and decision-makers in Paris (France), on 12–13 November 2025.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity and apply by 12 September:

Application to EIC Corporate Day with Opella

The selected EIC awardees will receive business acceleration support powered by the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme, including dedicated training, mentoring, pitch dry runs, and further support to present their solutions in an in-person pitching and matching session in November with the corporations' decision-makers. Additionally, the selected EIC companies will benefit from post-activity support to maximise the impact of their business proposals.

Why apply?

The selected participants will benefit from:

• Personalised preparatory support, including a group session with Opella, a 1-to-1 session with business experts, high-quality feedback to adjust the pitch deck, pitch dry run, and a business proposal review.         
• Privileged access to Opella’s high-level decision-makers.
• Knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
• Potential for collaborations, strategic partnerships, or market entry with Opella.

Who can apply?

This call is open ONLY for EIC-backed start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs.

Opella is seeking high-impact, innovative, consumer-centric solutions aligned with the following critical healthcare areas, including:

1. Next-gen natural bioactive

• Opella is seeking natural bioactives from green biotechnologies (e.g., fermentation, plant cell culture).
• Must be sustainably sourced, without chemical transformation.
• Targeting health areas like digestion, immunity, metabolism, brain, and skin health

2. Innovative microbiome-based solutions

• Opella is looking for new probiotic strains from the human microbiome.
• Interest in targeted prebiotics and postbiotics with low dosage and strong effects.
• Applications across digestive, immune, metabolic, liver, brain, and skin health.

3. Premium and Innovative formats

• Innovative oral formats (chews, sprays, sticks, etc.) using existing APIs in Opella portfolio.
• Must offer clear advantages over traditional forms (e.g., better bioavailability, adherence).

4. Packaging innovation

• Smart packaging (e.g., NFC, RFID) to enhance consumer engagement and traceability.
• Biodegradable packaging compatible with recycling systems and sustainability goals.

5. Disruptive “Beyond-the-Pill” solutions for effective pain relief.

• Non-pharmaceutical, clinically validated solutions for various pain types (e.g., back, joint, migraine).
• Must be easy to use, safe, and compliant with medical regulations.

6. Reliable & actionable diagnostics.

• Accessible, reliable, and actionable diagnostic tools (home or point-of-care).
• Focus on early detection, silent diseases, and empowering self-care.

7. Breakthrough solutions for allergy prevention, diagnosis and self-treatment.

• Breakthrough solutions, clinically proven for allergy prevention, self-diagnosis, and treatment of allergic condition.
• Includes innovative formats, delivery systems, and consumer services.

8. Breakthrough solutions for constipation selfcare empowerment 

• Dual-action products for constipation and gas/bloating relief.
• Empowering consumers with effective, safe, and easy-to-use solutions.

9. Breakthrough solutions for the treatment of abdominal pain.

• Long lasting and innovative treatment for spasms
• Innovative formats, drug delivery systems, APIs, devices, to enhance consumer services/experiences

10. Innovative solutions for cough and associated pain relief

• Fast-acting, long-lasting cough relief with added pain/throat soothing.
• Holistic, consumer-friendly self-care solutions.

11. Next-Gen magnesium solution

• Organic magnesium + Vitamin B6 product for fatigue, cramps, irritability.
• Must be once-daily, highly bioavailable, and in innovative formats.

You can find more details on the challenges here.

Please specify which challenge(s) you are addressing in your application.

EIC-backed companies can apply here.

Please acknowledge that the information you provide on the application form will be shared with Opella, which will select the participants based on their business interests and strategic goals. 

What happens after your application?

The EIC team will contact all selected applicants once the process is completed. However, this contact does not include feedback or recommendations for those who have not been selected.

If selected, participants must be available for the entire duration of the programme, which includes the preparation phase (online training sessions in September and/or October, pitch checks, and business proposal reviews), the event days (in-person) on 12-13 November 2025 in Paris, (France), and follow-up activities. The selected companies must be represented by C-level executives. Additionally, selected participants will be responsible for arranging and covering their travel and accommodation costs.

All participants are expected to fill out a brief satisfaction survey shortly after the matchmaking opportunity and a business impact survey after six months. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations will only be accepted in duly justified cases of force majeure. Unjustified cancellations may result in exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services opportunities. For more information, contact our Helpdesk (please select "EIC Corporate Day with Opella" as the subject).

About the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme

This call and service are part of the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme, an initiative supporting EIC-backed companies looking to scale by securing new customers and business partners. To date, more than 1,500 EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups, together with over 2,500 high-level representatives from more than 100 large companies, have taken part in the programme, resulting in significant impacts on organisations, tracking progress, and closing deals, often within 6 months.

About Opella

Opella is a global consumer healthcare leader dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing consumer health. Opella provides accessible, effective, and innovative solutions across diverse health areas globally. For further information, please click here.

Stay informed!

The EIC Corporate Partnership Programme is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services.

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