CITT INTERREG Training Programme
Translating science into solutions to improve human health
Format: In presence & online
Period: October 2026 – March 2027
Attendance: 70% to gain access to the Final Pitch Day
Language: English
Join a 5-month journey designed to support scientists, researchers, students, innovators, startups, and SMEs interested in translating scientific results, ideas, and inventions into solutions to improve human health.
The Training Programme will offer lessons, coaching by mentors, support from professionals and key opinion leaders, and hands-on activities to guide participants in preparing a business and technology development plan to present to investors and industry at the Programme Final Event in February 2027.
Programme Overview
- 5 residential workshops
- The 3-day “Workshop on European Successful Case Studies”, showcasing examples of successful startups from the Bio Innovation Institute, xista and VHIO.
- 3 hands-on workshops on IP protection, business development and communication.
- The Final event with a Pitch session and an open discussion about “Open Innovation” with experts from industry, academia and VCs.
- A series of online learning modules covering key topics such as IP, business planning, regulatory pathways, project management, communication, and investor engagement.
Candidates at every career stage and with every level of experience are welcome to apply. Previous entrepreneurial experience is not required.
Calendar
- 10/08 – CITT INTERREG Training Programme: Introduction Webinar – session 1, online
- 07/09 – CITT INTERREG Training Programme: Introduction Webinar – session 2, online
- 25/09 – Participant Onboarding Session, online
- 09/10 – IP basics, exam, strategy, and examples, online
- 16/10 – Trade secrets, know-how and copyright, online
- 21-23/10 – Workshop on European Successful Case Studies, in-person
- 30/10 – Write your own patent application, in-person
- 06/11 – Business model canvas and hands-on activities, in-person
- 13/11 – From Science to Market: Business Planning in Health Care Innovation. Health Technology Assessment, in-person
- 20/11 – From Science to Market: Business Planning in Health Care Innovation. Business Plan, online
- 27/11 – Basics of Project Management, online
- 04/12 – Federated learning, online
- 11/12 – Randomised clinical trials, online
- 18/12 – Regulatory and data management, online
- 13/12 – Communication and marketing, online
- 15/12 – Communication and marketing, in-person
- 22-29/01 – Talk to your mentor
- 18-19/02 – Final Event, in-person
What you will gain
- Training & Mentoring
- Gain practical insights into the creation and growth of life sciences startups
- Understand key steps in the transition from research to entrepreneurship
- Learn from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and technology transfer professionals
- Team building
- Develop and refine ideas through structured group activities and peer-to-peer exchange
- Networking
- Connect with researchers, innovators, mentors, investors, and industry experts
10 August 2026
CITT INTERREG Training Programme: Introduction Webinar – session 1
7 September 2026
CITT INTERREG Training Programme: Introduction Webinar – session 2
Online
Time: 16.30 – 17.30 CEST
25 September 2026
Participant Onboarding Session
Online
9 October 2026
IP basics, exam, strategy, and examples
Online
With Lorenzo Rossi, Italian Institute of Technology
16 October 2026
Trade secrets, know-how and copyright
Online
21-23 October 2026
Workshop on European Successful Case Studies
In-person
With:
- Prudence Donovan, XISTA Science Ventures
- Mario De La Cuesta Rivero, VHIO
- Francesco Gatto, BioInnovation Institute
- Eugenio Fava, Human Technopole
Venue: Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio, Lago d’Orta (Italy)
Accommodation & Logistics
Accommodation for the duration of the workshop (21–23 October 2026) will be provided by the organisers. Participants will be accommodated in shared double or triple rooms. Room assignments will be arranged by the organisers, taking into account participants’ comfort and, whenever possible, individual preferences and practical requirements.
Dietary requirements and food allergies communicated in advance will be accommodated whenever possible.
Participants are responsible for arranging their travel to Milan. A shuttle service will be organised from the Human Technopole campus to the workshop venue. Alternatively, participants may choose to travel directly to the venue at their own expense.
Further practical information, including travel arrangements and logistical details, will be shared with selected participants before the event.
30 October 2026
Write your own patent application
In-person
With Lorenzo Rossi, Italian Institute of Technology
6 November 2026
Business model canvas and hands-on activities
In-person
13 November 2026
From Science to Market: Business Planning in Health Care Innovation. Health Technology Assessment
In-person
With Maria Pinelli, Politecnico di Milano
20 November 2026
From Science to Market: Business Planning in Health Care Innovation. Business Plan
Online
With Giovanni Toletti, Politecnico di Milano
27 November 2026
Basics of Project Management
Online
With Federico Pinna, Human Technopole
4 December 2026
Federated learning
Online
11 December 2026
Randomised clinical trials
Online
With SUPSI, UPO, Chelonia SA
18 December 2026
Regulatory and data management
Online
13 December 2026
Communication and marketing
Online
15 December 2026
Communication and marketing
In-person
22-29 January 2027
Talk to your mentor
18-19 February 2027
Final Event
In-person

