Co-Innovation Programme with Singapore: First Projects Funded and Second Call Launched
As part of its strategic internationalisation efforts, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) have jointly launched a Co-Innovation Programme. With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2023, the foundation was laid for a professional network connecting innovative start-ups from Singapore with leading scientists at Charité and BIH. The goal is to jointly develop new research and translational projects in the fields of biomedicine and health technology – from early-stage research to clinical trials and market readiness. Team Match & Connect of Charité BIH Innovation coordinates the program.
Following the first call in March 2024, ten selected Singapore-based start-ups submitted project proposals for collaboration with Charité. Two particularly promising projects have now been selected for funding:
- Restalyst, working with Dr. Mohr, will explore “The role of ERBB3 and HCC-REAAD™ diagnostic algorithm for the early detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.”
- Auristone, in collaboration with Prof. Stintzing, will conduct epigenomic profiling for gastrointestinal cancers.
These first projects mark an important step toward establishing sustainable international innovation partnerships, aiming to accelerate translational research and patient-centered solutions on a global scale.
Second Call Now Open
The second call of the Co-Innovation Programme is now open. Singaporean start-ups are invited to apply for collaborative projects with Charité and BIH. Two funding tracks are available:
- Pilot or Validation Studies
For solutions that are clinically ready or near-ready for pilot evaluation (e.g., post design freeze or with recent regulatory approval). - Joint Product Development
For innovative technologies co-developed with Charité/BIH, including prototyping, MVPs, or joint IP projects.
Project funding is split equally – 50% covered by Enterprise Singapore and 50% by the participating start-ups.
Timeline for the Second Call:
- by 15 August 2025: Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) to ESG
- September–November 2025: Clinician matching & Letter of Intent signing
- by 31 January 2026: Submission of full project proposal
- from March 2026: Grant decisions by ESG
- from April 2026: Contract signing and project start