The European Commission has approved the second health-related Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to support innovations in medical devices, including the introduction of new digital and artificial intelligence (AI) features. This project, called IPCEI Tech4Cure, was jointly announced by five Member States: France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The Member States will provide up to €403 million in public funding, which is expected to unlock an additional €826 million in private investments.
As part of this IPCEI, 10 companies will undertake innovative research and development projects and the first industrial deployment of these technologies. Six of these companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Tech4Cure mainly focuses on the development of innovative medical devices with advanced digital/AI solutions, aimed at further developing the concept of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3P medicine).
The concept of 3P medicine improves patient outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances the quality of life for EU citizens.
Tech4Cure will contribute to the updated Industrial Strategy by promoting industrial resilience and reinforcing the Single Market. It will encourage the competitiveness of the EU medical devices industry and support the green and digital transitions with advanced, safe, and innovative medical technologies.
The completion of Tech4Cure is planned for 2036, with timelines varying depending on the individual projects and the companies involved. The projects are expected to create around 800 jobs.
The Commission Assessment
The Commission assessed the proposed project under EU State aid rules, specifically its Communication on Important Projects of Common European Interest. The Commission found that Tech4Cure meets the necessary conditions and contributes to several EU objectives for a greener, more secure, and resilient economy.
On this basis, the Commission concluded that the project is in line with EU State aid rules.
Funding, Participants, and Structure of the IPCEI
The IPCEI involves 10 projects from 10 companies. These projects were selected based on national and IPCEI criteria, such as contribution to EU objectives and ambition to overcome market or systemic failures.
