HERACLES – Healthcare Enterprises and Research Alliance for Collaboration, Learning, and Exploitation of AI-Driven Business Solutions – ONGOING

HERACLES (Healthcare Enterprises and Research Alliance for Collaboration, Learning, and Exploitation of AI-Driven Business Solutions) is a project co-funded by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. It aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities and support the uptake of advanced technologies in the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence in predictive medicine, digital healthcare, and health-crisis preparedness.

Coordinated by the University of Bari Aldo Moro and implemented with partners from Italy, Greece, Spain, Lebanon, and Tunisia, the project brings together universities, research centres, and innovation actors to connect scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and business capacity.

At the core of the initiative is the establishment of a Transnational Research Network connecting academia and business, supported by a digital knowledge-exchange platform. Through needs assessments and stakeholder mapping, the network will identify territorial healthcare needs and engage universities, research centres, healthcare providers, SMEs, startups, and other innovation stakeholders.

HERACLES will also promote awareness and training activities on artificial intelligence in healthcare, analyse the regulatory framework governing AI-based medical solutions, co-create and validate an AI-driven healthcare pilot, and provide virtual incubation and dedicated events to valorise research results and develop sustainable business models.

Overall, the project seeks to improve innovation capacity in the Mediterranean healthcare sector, support more efficient healthcare services, strengthen preparedness for health crises, and foster stronger connections among research, healthcare, and enterprise.