Stuttgart (GER), February 2026 - As 2025 ended, so did the funding period for the Horizon Europe project, SHIFT-HUB. Over the past three years, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum has united stakeholders from across Europe’s health ecosystem - innovation intermediaries, entrepreneurs, technology providers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, patients, and citizens - to create a thriving Smart Health Community, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies and services in healthcare.
To make our European healthcare system fit for future challenges, the extensive use of digital healthcare applications in hospitals, doctors' practices and by patients is necessary. However, there are many barriers to overcome in the development of these technologies, and acceptance of the applications has so far been low, especially among the older and socially disadvantaged social groups.
The SHIFT-HUB consortium has worked to build a connected and innovative Smart Health ecosystem. This collaborative effort has resulted in significant achievements and a strong foundation for continued progress in the Smart Health landscape.
Key Achievements
Engaging Stakeholders: Over 1,000 SMEs providing technologies were reached, with 200 actively participating in SHIFT-HUB events and the community platform. More than 300 innovation intermediaries, 70 health institutions, 60 public institutions, and 50 policymakers were directly involved. SHIFT-HUB also connected with over 7,000 patients and citizens through outreach activities.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Innovation
The end of the SHIFT-HUB project is not the end of its impact. Many of its services will remain operational, with the results and best practices available for replication and adoption. The SHIFT-HUB Community Platform will continue to serve as a vital hub for connection, collaboration, and innovation, enabling stakeholders to access matchmaking opportunities, showcase solutions, and participate in impactful events.
In addition, SHIFT-HUB is encouraging its partner organisations and all its stakeholders to replicate and scale its initiatives, further expanding the network and ensuring that its innovative services continue to benefit the European Smart Health ecosystem.
