BlueHealth Innovation Fund

BlueHealth Innovation Fund operates as a specialized investment vehicle dedicated to identifying and supporting promising health technology startups. Working in strategic partnership with imec.istart, Belgium's leading tech accelerator, BHIF has established a systematic approach to discovering innovative healthcare solutions with significant market potential. The fund represents a collaborative effort between major industry players including pharmaceutical giant UCB, the renowned Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), digital transformation leader Cronos Groep, and healthcare innovation network In4care, combining their expertise and resources to fuel healthcare innovation.

The fund implements a structured investment process through triannual open calls coordinated with imec.istart's acceleration program. This approach allows BHIF to systematically evaluate emerging health tech ventures and select those demonstrating the strongest potential for disruption and growth. Selected startups receive a €50,000 investment from BHIF, complementing the funding provided by imec.istart, creating a comprehensive financial package that helps early-stage companies overcome initial development hurdles. This dual investment structure reflects BHIF's commitment to providing not just capital, but also strategic support through the established imec.istart framework.

The fund's investment thesis centers on transformative digital health solutions, medical devices, diagnostic technologies, and healthcare software platforms. BHIF typically engages at the seed and early stages, targeting ventures that demonstrate both technological innovation and clear pathways to clinical implementation. By leveraging the healthcare expertise of UZA, the pharmaceutical insights of UCB, the digital capabilities of Cronos Groep, and the healthcare network of In4care, portfolio companies gain access to unparalleled industry connections and domain knowledge that accelerate their development and market entry strategies.

Beyond financial investment, BHIF offers portfolio companies significant advantages through its investor consortium. Startups benefit from potential clinical validation opportunities with UZA, pharmaceutical development insights from UCB, technical implementation support from Cronos Groep, and healthcare market access strategies through In4care. This comprehensive support ecosystem positions BHIF as more than just a funding source—it functions as a strategic growth catalyst for health tech innovators. The fund's Belgian roots provide a strong European foundation, while its industry connections enable portfolio companies to scale internationally across healthcare markets.