Pioneering a Healthier Europe with I3-INSHAPE

As Europe faces increasing challenges related to inactive lifestyles and chronic diseases, the I3-INSHAPE project, led by Blautic, emerges as a beacon of innovation and vitality. This EU co-funded initiative aims to revolutionize the European digital economy by establishing a European competence center dedicated to sports and vitality, specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises).

Transforming the Digital Economy

Launched in September 2023, the I3-INSHAPE project is set to run for three years with a budget of €9.5 million. The project’s main objective is to accelerate the market entry of SMEs by providing them with the necessary digital infrastructure and investment opportunities. This initiative not only aims to bring innovative products to the market but also to foster a sustainable ecosystem that supports ongoing innovation in the sports and technology sectors.

Key Milestones and Activities

The project’s journey began with a Kick-off meeting held at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven on September 22nd and 23rd, 2023. This event marked the beginning of collaborative efforts among project partners and SMEs, setting the stage for the project’s ambitious goals. One of the significant milestones in the early phase was the WP3 Kick-off meeting in Barcelona, organized by Indescat and Acciò, focusing on scaling up and addressing legal insights for SMEs.

Driving Innovation and Investment

I3-INSHAPE aims to create a network of Innovation and Investment Hubs across Europe. This network will support 35 interregional investment cases, helping SMEs to scale up and commercialize their innovative solutions. By leveraging data-driven technologies, the project seeks to fuel advancements in the sports and active lifestyle domains. The project also includes open calls for SMEs, encouraging a collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Looking Ahead

As 2024 unfolds, the I3-INSHAPE consortium is focused on practical implementation. The next steps involve defining the first stream of innovation investment cases, leveraging data-driven technologies, and establishing connections between interregional centers of excellence.