Lombardy Region launches “Research & Transfer” call: a pioneering initiative

On 28 July 2026, the Lombardy Region launched the “IRCCSs – Research & Transfer. Innovating Today, Caring Better Tomorrow” call, an innovative €32 million funding scheme designed to support the transfer of scientific research outcomes from Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalisation and Healthcare (IRCCSs) to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative focuses on the Health and Life Sciences sector, an area with significant potential to improve citizens' wellbeing. By strengthening collaboration between research institutes and industry, the scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative therapies, medical technologies and healthcare solutions developed within Lombardy's IRCCSs, where research is closely linked to improving patient care.

Applications are open until 3.00 p.m. (CET) on 28 October 2026.

Fermi: Lombardy leads the way

“The strategy,” said Alessandro Fermi, Regional Minister for Universities, Research and Innovation, “has been developed in close collaboration with the institutes themselves to address their actual needs. Our goal is to strengthen the international profile of Lombardy's healthcare system while raising the standard of patient care. Lombardy is the first Italian region to introduce a measure of this kind, making research carried out by clinical research institutes more attractive to private investment and bridging the traditional gap between scientific publications and market applications.”

Supporting research and innovation

Funded through the 2021–2027 ERDF Regional Programme (European Regional Development Fund), the call will support investments in industrial research and experimental development carried out by IRCCSs with operational sites in Lombardy.

Its objective is to transform biomedical research outcomes into market-ready solutions and to advance the technological maturity of innovative projects with strong application potential.

Funding available

The scheme provides non-repayable grants covering up to 80% of eligible costs, with a maximum contribution of €3 million per IRCCS.

Each institute may choose between two options:

• submitting one project, with funding of up to €3 million; or
• submitting two separate projects, each eligible for funding of up to €1.5 million.

“The Life Sciences sector is a cornerstone of Lombardy's economy,” Fermi noted. “It accounts for more than 12% of the Region's GDP, generates almost €85 billion in production value—over 30% of the national total—and employs more than 340,000 people.”

Turning research into tangible outcomes

“Lombardy is home to research of outstanding scientific quality,” Fermi added. “We are the first Italian region to dedicate specific funding to bridging the so-called 'death valley' between research conducted by our IRCCSs and the market, helping transform scientific results into concrete projects. From the outset, we have developed this initiative in close partnership with the IRCCSs.”

“An initiative of this scale strengthens the Region's role as a driver of biomedical innovation,” Fermi concluded. “By creating a bridge between scientific excellence and the market, it will generate economic value, support highly skilled employment and ultimately improve healthcare opportunities for patients.”