Siemens Healthineers and Eureka: challenge for startups with autonomous medical device solutions, submissions until 30 October

The Eureka Network, through its Investment Readiness Programme co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, has launched a corporate challenge in partnership with Siemens Healthineers. The initiative aims to identify innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises developing autonomous medical device solutions.

Rather than offering a direct cash grant, the opportunity focuses on establishing a pilot project or strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers. Selected participants will engage in direct business meetings to explore integration, collaboration, and co-development pathways.

The call for submissions opened on 18 August 2026 and will close on 30 October 2026 at 17:00 CET. Review processes will conclude by mid-November, followed by bilateral meetings scheduled before the end of November 2026.

What is funded

The challenge provides successful applicants with the opportunity to pursue a corporate partnership or pilot collaboration with Siemens Healthineers. This initiative supports the integration of advanced technologies into clinical workflows and medical systems to help alleviate staffing shortages in healthcare.

Targeted focus areas include medical imaging devices, surgical robotics, and interventional oncology systems such as radiotherapy and ablation. Associated software-based intelligence and robotics that streamline workflow orchestration and reduce manual burden are also within scope.

The program seeks technologies incorporating artificial intelligence, advanced sensing, computer vision, robotics, and intelligent automation. These tools should support autonomous operation, clinical decision-making, and direct intervention execution.

Who can apply

The challenge is designed for innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Applicants must be operating in sectors relevant to autonomous healthcare solutions, medical devices, and clinical automation.

Eligible entities must be based within the European Union or Eureka associated countries. Candidates should possess proprietary technological solutions capable of addressing real-world operational bottlenecks in hospital environments.

Conditions and requirements

Submitted technologies must be sufficiently mature for practical evaluation by Siemens Healthineers. The donor specifies that solutions should have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher, meaning prototypes must have been demonstrated in an operational environment.

Applicants must demonstrate how their solutions improve consistency of care, enhance productivity, and enable healthcare providers to operate effectively despite severe workforce constraints. Both pure software architectures and integrated robotic systems are eligible for evaluation.

Practical tip. Clearly document the testing history and validation data that confirm your technology has achieved TRL 7 or above, as Siemens Healthineers prioritizes solutions that can immediately transition into pilot evaluation without fundamental technical redesign.

How to apply

Interested enterprises must submit their applications through the Eureka Network portal before the deadline on 30 October 2026, 17:00 CET. Late submissions will not be considered.

The review of submissions will be completed by 13 November 2026. Companies selected from the evaluation phase will be invited to participate in initial introductory meetings with the Siemens Healthineers team by 30 November 2026 to discuss collaborative opportunities.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: eurekanetwork.org.