Healthcare Enterprises and Research Alliance for Collaboration, Learning, and Exploitation of AI-driven business Solutions
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)Description
(1.2) 1.2 - Progress reports(EN)
(1.3) 1.3 - Project meetings(EN)
(1.4) 1.4 - Monitoring and Quality Plan(EN)
(2.1) Communication Plan and Strategy(EN)
(2.2) HERACLES Dissemination events(EN)
(2.3) Digital communication(EN)
(2.4) HERACLES project poster(EN)
(2.5) Dissemination material(EN)
(2.6) Inception Video and Final Video(EN)
(3.1) The Transnational Research Network is established(EN)
(3.1) The Transnational Research Network is established(EN)
(4.1) The targeted stakeholders are aware of AI for healthcare domain and predictive medicine(EN)
(4.2) The research network is operative(EN)
(4.2) The research network is operative(EN)
(4.3) The research network is valorized(EN)
Thematic information
Priority:
(VI-B_MSB_1) Priority 1: A more competitive and smarter MediterraneanPriority specific objective:
RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologiesPriority policy objective (Interreg specific objective):
PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivityType of intervention:
028 Technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and higher education sectorPartners (7)
Lead Partner: Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80002170720 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Department: Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine Department of Economics and Finance Department of Computer Science
Address: Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website: https://www.uniba.it/it
Total budget: EUR 423 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 376 470.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 46 530.00
- مركز البيوتكنولوجيا بصفاقس
-
Name: مركز البيوتكنولوجيا بصفاقس
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 050311/Z/N/A/000 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Address: Road of Sidi Mansour P.O Box 1177 , 3018 Sfax , Tunisia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website: http://www.cbs.rnrt.tn
Total budget: EUR 417 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 371 130.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 45 870.00
- جمعية تطوير الأعمال في طرابلس
-
Name: جمعية تطوير الأعمال في طرابلس
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1478739 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False
Address: Bechara El Khoury Boulevard, 1300, TripoliBechara El Khoury Boulevard, 1300 Tripoli, Lebanon
Legal status: private
Organisation type: N.a.
Website: http://www.biatcenter.org
Total budget: EUR 423 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 376 470.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 46 530.00
- الجامعة اللبنانية
-
Name: الجامعة اللبنانية
Department: Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Public Health
Partner’s ID if not PIC: PIC 996627568 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Address: Lebanese University. Central AdministrationBeirut, Lebanon
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website (not verified): https://www.ul.edu.lb/
Total budget: EUR 401 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 356 890.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 44 110.00
- Universidad de Huelva
-
Name: Universidad de Huelva
Department: Vicerrectorado de Investigación y Transferencia
Partner’s ID if not PIC: Q-7150008-F | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Address: C/ Dr. Cantero Cuadrado, 6, 21007 Huelva, Spain
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website (not verified): http://www.uhu.es
Total budget: EUR 273 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 970.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 30 030.00
- Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων – Ειδικός Λογαριασμός Κονδυλίων Έρευνας
-
Name: Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων – Ειδικός Λογαριασμός Κονδυλίων Έρευνας
Department: Department of Economics – Laboratory of Business Economics and Decisions (LABED)
Partner’s ID if not PIC: PIC 999852818 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Address: University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website: http://uoi.gr
Total budget: EUR 286 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 254 540.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 31 460.00
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
-
Name: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Department: Department of Health Sciences
Partner’s ID if not PIC: PIC 999643007 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True
Address: 6 Christou Lada str., 105 61 Athens, Greece
Legal status: public
Organisation type: N.a.
Website: http://www.uoa.gr
Total budget: EUR 238 000.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 211 820.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 26 180.00
Partners map
Lead partner
Project partner
Summary
Project acronym: HERACLES~A_T_1.1_0235
Project ID: 00032
Project start date: 2025-10-31
Project end date: 2028-10-30
Project status:
ongoingRelevant linked projects:
- PHASE - PROMOTING EHEALTH IN CB AREA STIMULATING LOCAL ECONOMIES (Italy-Albania-Montenegro 2014-2020 Program) (EN) | E-health CBC network and capacity building (web portal, B2B events, start-up competitions, workshops and international conferences) is one of the PHASE outputs. It focused on the establishment of a robust international network to promote cross-border cooperation between public and private entities, aiming to develop a cooperation model among stakeholders to enhance SMEs’ competitiveness in the involved territories. To achieve these objectives, the establishment of the network was accompanied by training activities aimed at both public entities and start-ups and enterprises, through the organisation of B2B events, start-up competitions, workshops, and international conferences. The training initiatives were a fundamental step for the success of the project, as they significantly contributed to raising awareness among the involved targets about the main thematic areas of eHealth and its potential in the entrepreneurial field.
- The HERACLES project can benefit from and leverage the output described above, because it has demonstrated effectiveness in implementing an international network and promoting cooperation between public and private sectors. Specifically, the model of the network can be adapted and applied to the specific needs of the territories in the Mediterranean area involved in the HERACLES project, enabling effective implementation of activities and achievement of the set objectives. (EN), YESS - YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS STARTUP SCHOOL(Greece-Italy 2014-2020 Program) (EN) | 1) The CBC YESS Innovation Fund Network was created at the end of a preparation process targeting startups and startuppers and Private/Public funds and Institutions, with the aim of favouring the dialogue and the exchange of information useful to sustain innovation and economic development of the involved territories. The Innovation Fund Network offered the possibility to startups at the end of their incubation process, to present their business ideas to expert stakeholders, to receive feedback or get a round of financing. In the HERACLES project the same approach will be exploited, with appropriate adaptations, to favour the match among capitals and the stakeholders of innovation in the field of digital health and AI-driven healthcare. Same processes, documents and methods will be used to create the HERACLES network which, considering the future challenges and innovations expected in the AI domain, will also include academic representatives (universities, research centres and researchers).
- 2) The Web incubation Platform of the YESS project aimed at providing virtual digital services to startups, big companies, public administration, and experts. It was composed of 4 different sections: Learning, Mentoring, Coaching and Challenge. In the Learning section, video lessons, texts and self-assessment quizzes were published. In the Mentor and Coaching session, the startuppers could get consultancy sessions by technical experts, or be supported by coaches. The Challenge section was dedicated to the match between Big Companies or PA needs and the technical solutions offered by startups. In the HERACLES project the Web incubation Platform will be used for the section of Learning, creating a purposely developed training content based on AI in the healthcare field targeting startups and SMEs. Also the Challenge section will be used to create a link between Healthcare Authorities or Providers and young startuppers or researchers familiar with technical AI based solutions. (EN), B4HT - Box for Health by Tradition & In-novation: promoting sustainable Mediterranean diet by Healthy Foods (funded by the PRIMA project, Section 2 – Multi-topic 2022) (EN) | The "iMFood" App is one of the B4HT outputs. It is an innovative tool designed to function as a “virtual nutritionist,” promoting healthy dietary habits based on the principles of the Mediterranean Diet. This application offers personalised dietary recommendations, helping users make healthier food choices and adopt better eating habits.
- The next step for the "iMFood" App involves conducting a comprehensive clinical study to evaluate its health benefits in real-world settings. This study will involve a diverse group of participants using the app over a specified period, allowing researchers to gather robust data on its effectiveness in improving dietary habits and overall health outcomes. By monitoring various health metrics and dietary patterns, the study aims to provide concrete evidence of the app’s impact.
- In the context of the HERACLES Project, the "iMFood" App will serve as a valuable data collection tool. It will gather diverse types of data, including dietary intake, health metrics, user interactions, and feedback. This data will be crucial for training an AI algorithm within HERACLES. analysing the collected data to develop advanced clinical and healthcare tools.
- The exploitation of the "iMFood" App within the HERACLES Project exemplifies a synergistic approach, combining innovative technology with practical healthcare applications. This collaboration will not only enhance the app's functionality but also contribute significantly to the development of AI-driven healthcare solutions, ultimately benefiting users with more accurate, data-driven health recommendations and interventions. (EN), Spain Neurotech (Next Generation/ Spanish Government) (EN) | Spain Neurotech's aims to promote the consolidation of the scientific community of experts in neuroscience and associated chronic diseases.
- It main objectives are:
- 1) Advance developing diagnostic methods and therapies for nervous system diseases;
- 2) Foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship;
- 3) Establish ethical and legal rules necessary for the application of new people-centred technologies;
- 5) Incorporate society into scientific activities, attracting talent, and training new generations of leaders in neurotechnology.
- The HERACLES project aligns perfectly with these objectives and aims to exploit the model used during the implementation of Spain Neurotech.
- The knowledge generated through the first objectives will be exploited to support activities related to the development of the ICT Platform, as well as the implementation of informative campaigns targeting various stakeholders. The second objective of Spain Neurotech aligns seamlessly with the project's goal of creating a network that integrates research, innovation, and business,driving advancements in healthcare. The third objective, which involves developing ethical and legal rules for new technologies, fits perfectly with the project’s analysis of the regulatory framework for AI in the healthcare domain, as ensuring that AI-based solutions comply with ethical and legal standards is crucial for their acceptance and effective implementation in real-world healthcare settings. Lastly, the last objective of Spain Neurotech aims to attract talent, will feed the project’s activities focused on generating knowledge and awareness, by disseminating the results of the project activities. (EN), AI4HealthyAging (Spanish Government ‘AI Missions Program 2021’) (EN) | The AI4HealthyAging project was aimed at early detection of diseases derived from ageing through Artificial Intelligence. The participating entities designed and developed an intelligent solution that makes it possible to detect neurological, motor and degenerative diseases derived from ageing at an early stage, and act on them quickly. Within this intelligent system, an early prognosis is made during patient follow-up thanks to the design and construction of Artificial Intelligence algorithms.
- The output of AI4HealthyAging project that will be exploited are:
- 1) Databases used for training predictive and decision models;
- 2) Pre-trained models for specific diseases or contexts, which can be further improved through new training, new databases or adapted to new diseases;
- 3) Technological knowledge concerning the most advanced technologies that best meet the needs of tool developers.
- Additionally, the companies and research centres that have participated in the AI4HealthyAging network can be included in the transnational research centre envisioned by the HERACLES project. This will allow them to share their experience and knowledge with other actors, promoting effective collaboration and the exchange of skills within the network. (EN), Tartaglia (Spanish Government ‘AI Missions Program 2021’) (EN) | The Tartaglia project aimed to accelerate the application of AI in the National Health System and help patients and health professionals to strengthen the prevention and early diagnosis of diseases. 16 entities were responsible for creating a federated network with Artificial Intelligence to accelerate clinical and health research in the country. Among them were agencies, foundations and research institutes linked to hospitals and regional health services, universities, spin-offs, national SMEs and large international companies. The main challenge of Tartaglia was the creation of an ecosystem that channels research activity and allows AI tools to be built on data jointly and securely. It was also sought to give greater confidence to professionals by helping them make decisions in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's, Macular Degeneration, Prostate Cancer, Complex Chronic and Ultrasound Diagnosis, creating as a result a more competitive market in Spain and Europe for encourage the creation and growth of companies.
- The Tartaglia project fits very well and is in synergy with the HERACLES project, as they both are aimed at building a network. While Tartaglia limits its objectives to the interaction with the Spanish National System, our project has a wider perspective, also including preparedness for emergencies, and has an international perspective.
- The Tartaglia’s outputs that will be exploited during HERACLES project are:
- 1) Stakeholders that will be also involved in HERACLES Network, in order to exploit their capabilities acquired during the previous experiences;
- 2) Information campaign methodologies adopted in order to disseminate goals and results will be adopted by HERACLES PPs, ensuring that the results achieved will be disseminated to as wide an audience as possible (EN), BIOPROTECH (FP7 ERAWIDE) (EN) | The BIOPROTECH project was aimed to support the CBS in the improvement of its capacities in bioprocesses development (fermentation and microarrays technologies) as well as all related fields such as technology transfer mechanisms, know-how about the EU research framework program and biosafety competencies to be better integrated in the European Research Era. The main outputs of the project that will be exploited in HERACLES project were:
- 1) The training and recruitment opportunity in the CBS offered to three unemployed graduates from Sfax University, trained in EU project Management, technology transfer and innovation and in fermentation technology, which represented a means of contribution to job creation in Tunisia, in order to improve the territorial economic development. The HERACLES project will draw inspiration from this output, using the model proposed in the BIOPROTECH as an example and thoroughly analysing the training materials used. This approach will allow the identification of strengths in the training process that can be capitalised on during activities aimed at stakeholders.
- 2) Training materials, which will be exploited by HERACLES to implement effective educational strategies, improve training content, and adapt teaching methodologies to the specific needs of stakeholders.
- Furthermore, HERACLES will integrate the best practices identified, promoting continuous and high-quality training that supports the development of the skills necessary for the adoption of innovative technologies in the healthcare sector. (EN), DeepTech-2M – DeepTech Materials and Manufacturing Talent Development for an Improved EU Economy and Climate (Cohort 3,EIT HEI Initiative) (EN) | The ongoing DEEPTECH-2M Project builds up HEIs’ capacity to foster deep tech talent in order to respond to the identified importance of deep tech talent development for the future of innovation and security in Europe. The result that will be exploited in HERACLES project is:
- 1) Capacity building experience and proven techniques aimed at fostering innovation within the EU region. This initiative will be extended to the HERACLES partner countries to tackle uneven skills distribution and stimulate the innovation ecosystem, ultimately developing world-class solutions for health challenges. The project builds upon the effective collaboration model that integrates business, higher education institutions (HEIs), research centres, and multidisciplinary efforts (including health and digital technologies). This interaction, which has been successfully tested for its effectiveness, will be harnessed to establish and support an innovation ecosystem in digital technologies, particularly focusing on AI, ML, and the Industrial Internet of Things (Industry 5.0). This comprehensive approach ensures the development of specialised talents and promotes a sustainable and secure environment for innovation in the healthcare sector. (EN), Smart2m – Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education in Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing (Cohort 1, EIT HEI Initiative) (EN) | SMART-2M project aspired to become the leading European initiative that empowers innovators and entrepreneurs to develop world-class solutions to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing challenges and create growth and skilled jobs. Its objectives focused on promoting and supporting institutional change in HEIs and by strengthening the integration and contribution of HEIs to innovation ecosystems, through the EIT knowledge triangle model: interaction between business, education and innovation. The output which could be exploited by the HERACLES project is:
- 1) Ability, knowledge, experience of the successful empowerment of innovators and entrepreneurs to develop world-class solutions to existing real-world challenges and the creation of growth. This expertise also extends to researchers, enabling them to exploit their research results and transform them into viable products or services. The objectives of promoting and supporting institutional change in HEIs (affecting researchers) and strengthening the integration and contribution of HEIs (and research centres) to transnational innovation ecosystems could be applied to HERACLES project, in particular to the TN cooperation model for eHealth, by also utilising the good-practices applied through the knowledge triangle model which includes the interaction between business, education and innovation. (EN)
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 461 000.00
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 190 290.00
Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 89.00%
Co-financing sources:
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Contribution to wider strategies and policies:
Programme Common Output Indicator:
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RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
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RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 090 - Projects for innovation networks across borders, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 001 - Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large), Measurement unit:
Programme Common Result Indicator:
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RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
-
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
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RCR 003 - Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) introducing product or process innovation, Measurement unit:
Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project
Financing programme
2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)
Latest month of project-partner-call data publication
2026-06
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
59 / 59 (100%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
392 / 392 (100%)
Notes on the data
There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.