Applications are officially open for the 2026 Pre-SPARK Health Concept Discovery Program, an initiative designed to help researchers, clinicians, and students turn ideas into real-world healthcare solutions.

The program accepts applications until June 30, 2026 and targets Master’s students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, scientists, and clinicians. Having a pre-existing project or fully formed idea is not a prerequisite for entry. Participants can either develop their own scientific findings or build new concepts from scratch alongside interdisciplinary teams.

Bridging Science and Business

The Pre-SPARK curriculum is structured to address a common bottleneck in life sciences: the transition from lab discovery to market-ready product. The program focuses heavily on four foundational pillars:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from industry veterans who have successfully commercialized health and life science research.

• Networking: Immediate access to the international SPARK community and corporate health partners.

• Skill Development: Practical training in health business fundamentals, regulatory pathways, and product development.

• Collaboration: Team-building exercises that mix diverse academic and clinical backgrounds.

Program Structure & Scope

The hybrid program is scheduled to run from September 9 through November 17, 2026. It features a blended format, combining weekly on-site sessions in Helsinki with remote options for participants joining from outside the Uusimaa region. Participants are also eligible to earn up to 5 ECTS credits, subject to approval from their home universities.

The 2026 cohort will focus on three major thematic areas driving modern healthcare innovation:

1. Biotech and Pharma

2. Medical Devices and Diagnostics

3. Digital Health

How to Apply

Due to the intensive, mentorship-driven nature of the program, cohort capacity is limited to ensure personalized guidance for each participant.

The application period closes on June 30, 2026. Interested applicants can find eligibility criteria and submission forms at: Pre-SPARK.

Questions? Contact our Pre-SPARK Program Manager, Usha Mohanraj at usha.mohanraj@sparkfinland.fi