Innovation Matchmaking in Oncology: Working Together Against Cancer - How Hospitals and AI Innovations Are Shaping the Future

Innovation meets clinical practice

Artificial intelligence is opening up new opportunities in cancer medicine and oncology. But turning a promising idea into a solution that benefits patients takes more than technology: it requires the right clinical partners, strong cooperation – and suitable funding. On 15 October 2026, the Innovation Matchmaking Oncology event will bring together hospitals, start-ups and experts from the innovation and funding ecosystem at University Hospital Würzburg. The focus will be on AI-based solutions for oncology and on how collaboration between clinical practice and industry can lead to innovative joint projects in cancer care and research. Seven selected start-ups will present their solutions in short pitch sessions. The programme will also provide plenty of opportunities for networking, one-to-one discussions and new collaborations.

BayFOR provides insights into EU funding opportunities for innovative healthcare projects

How can an innovative idea be developed into a competitive funding proposal? Which funding programmes are suitable for cooperation between hospitals, research organisations and industry?
BayFOR will address these questions in the programme session “From Idea to Funding – Financing Opportunities for Hospital-Industry Collaborations Focused on AI Innovations in Medicine, including Mini-Competency Coaching for Clinicians: “How Do I Secure Funding for My Project?”. 
BayFOR will be represented by Dr Mikhail Antonkine and Janina Schneiker both Scientific Officers at the Bavarian Research Alliance. Together with other funding experts, they will provide a concise overview of suitable funding opportunities within the EU research and innovation funding landscape, with a particular focus on Horizon Europe.

Take the opportunity to meet the experts on site and discuss EU funding opportunities and your project ideas.

Start-ups wanted: Call for Abstracts

Start-ups and pre-incorporation teams developing innovative solutions for oncology and cancer care can apply for one of the available pitching slots. The organisers are particularly interested in practical solutions for clinical application, including AI-enabled medical technologies. Deadline for submitting pitch decks: 25 September 2026

Agenda

Find an overview of the agenda.

Language

German

Target audience

Clinicians, Bavarian start-ups and companies developing medical devices, digital health technologies and innovative solutions for oncology and cancer care.

Date and venue

Thursday, 15 October 2026

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The 6th Network Meeting of the Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) will take place immediately afterwards. Further information is available at: www.bzkf.de

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Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum - Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging 
Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, Building D15 
97080 Würzburg 
View location on Google Maps.

Registration and further information

Register for free Innovation Matchmaking Oncology event on 15 October 2026.
Event details.

Contact at BayFOR

Dr Mikhail Antonkine
Health & Biotechnology
Scientific Officer
Tel: +49 911 50715-950 
Email: antonkin@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org