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02/02/2026 - Institutional news

Launch the MAR Tech Transfer Academy, strengthening the bridge between research and market at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute Barcelona

The Hospital del Mar Research Institute Barcelona (HMRIB) hosted last Wednesday the 28^th the inaugural session of the MAR Tech Transfer Academy, a new training programme designed to bring biomedical research closer to the market and to strengthen knowledge transfer and valorisation capabilities.

The programme will count with three pillars: experience through a series of interactive sessions, curated tools that will be offered to the researchers and clinicians to help them during the transfer process and expert accompaniment, trough valorisation services.

This first session opened with "How to fundraise and pivot in life sciences? SpliceBio, a case of success", exploring how to transform scientific discoveries into market-oriented solutions with tangible impact on the healthcare system. This first session featured Miquel Vila (CEO and founder) and Gerard Caelles (Chief Business Officer) at SpliceBio, one of the most successful biotech startups in the field of genetic medicine, as well as a global reference in fundraising and strategic development.

Vila and Caelles offered an inspiring walkthrough of SpliceBio's journey: from its origins in academic research to becoming a clinical-stage company developing a first-in-class therapy for Stargardt disease. Drawing on their experience in platform development, technology valorisation, and strategic growth, they provided participants with practical tools to identify market opportunities, validate value propositions, and advance research projects toward implementation in healthcare.

The session brought together professionals from across the ITEMAS network node, who explored this case study and engaged in hands-on approaches to overcome common barriers along the path from bench to market.

The MAR Tech Transfer Academy will continue with monthly sessions until June, with the next one taking place on February 17^th within the framework of the Barcelona Health Innovation Week, reinforcing HMRIB's commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration, and the effective transfer of knowledge to the healthcare system and society.

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