Global Collaboration and Community
The celebrations kicked off on September 29 with the 11th SPARK Global Meeting, which welcomed representatives from SPARK sites across the world. The annual gathering provided a platform to share best practices, explore new collaborations, and exchange insights across the global network dedicated to accelerating the translation of research into patient benefit.
The afternoon of September 30 marked a particularly meaningful milestone: the 10th Anniversary Celebration of SPARK-BIH. Speakers including Prof. Dr. Daria Mochly-Rosen (Stanford University, Co-Founder of SPARK), Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum, Prof. Dr. Heyo Kroemer, Thomas Gazlig, Prof. Dr. Craig Garner, and Dr. Tanja Rosenmund reflected on the origins of SPARK-BIH and its impact over the past decade. Alumni and current project teams presented showcases highlighting innovations in therapeutics, preventives, medical devices, and diagnostics — including projects supported through the new national project funding program in gene- and cell-based therapies coordinated by SPARK-BIH since 2024.
Connecting Innovation and Investment
The program concluded on October 1 with the SPARK-BIH Venture Capital Day, featuring 24 teams from around the world pitching their projects to an audience of leading venture capital firms and experts. The event offered entrepreneurs and researchers valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and insights into translating concepts into clinical applications. With more than 110 participants in attendance, the event highlighted the strong interest in translational innovation and early-stage investment.
Lessons Learned
Discussions and sessions throughout the events underscored the importance of collaboration and perseverance in advancing healthcare innovation. Key lessons included:
- Innovation is central to delivering new therapies and solutions to patients.
- Collaboration among academia, industry, and healthcare institutions are essential for addressing unmet medical needs and benefiting patients.
- Early engagement with experts accelerates the translational process.
- International collaboration expands patient reach and amplifies impact.
- SPARK-BIH continues to cultivate a community built on open exchange, mentoring, and shared progress.
A Decade of Innovation for Patient Benefit
Over the past ten years, SPARK-BIH has become a key pillar of the translational ecosystem at the Berlin Institute of Health and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. By providing funding, mentorship, educational support, and access to a global network, SPARK-BIH empowers research teams to bridge the gap between academic discovery and patient benefit.
These events celebrated the people who have shaped SPARK-BIH over the past decade — a strong community dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful solutions and shaping the future of translational medicine.
