Have you already reserved your spot for the ninth edition of the Healthtech Adria Meetup?

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11 AM, NetHub Accelerator, the School of Medicine in Split, and the University of Split are organizing a new edition of this event focused on one of the key stages of innovation development – proving the concept in cancer research.

The meetup will take place at the Center for Clinical Skills at the School of Medicine in Split (Building B, level -1), Šoltanska 2A. The focus will be on understanding how research ideas move from hypothesis to concrete, validated projects.

From idea to validation: what makes the difference

Ideas are everywhere, but proven concepts are rare. The Proof of Concept (PoC) phase is the key moment where ideas with real potential are separated from those that remain assumptions. In cancer research, this process is especially complex – requiring carefully designed experiments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clearly defined steps toward real-world application.

This edition of the Meetup brings practical insights into that process through real projects and examples.

Two experts will share their knowledge and experience:

Maja Mimica, researcher and communications lead on the PERISCOPE project at the University of Split, is a sociologist with experience in qualitative research methods, design thinking, and building health innovation ecosystems.

In her talk, she will present the role of the PERISCOPE project in supporting researchers in early-stage idea development, as well as the broader context of strengthening capacities for participation in international programs such as Horizon Europe.

Prof. Vedrana Čikeš Čulić, Head of Laboratory and researcher with extensive experience in leading PoC projects in cancer diagnostics and treatment, will present a concrete example of how an idea progresses to the validation stage.

Her work focuses on translating research into applicable solutions, including testing the effects of various compounds on tumor cells.

Through their talks, participants will gain insights into:

• what PoC project development looks like
• how a research idea becomes a structured project
• what support for researchers looks like throughout the process

After the presentations, a Q&A session will provide space for questions, knowledge exchange, and discussion with the audience. The event will conclude with informal networking and catering.

Participation in the Meetup is free, but registration is required due to limited capacity. If you are developing an idea, working on research, or preparing a project and wondering what comes next, this is an opportunity to get concrete answers and connect with key stakeholders in the ecosystem.

Register here.