The Innovation Fund Kría (NSK) has opened applications for Kria Health. Kria Health is an investment initiative aimed at strengthening innovation in healthcare services in Iceland through direct investments in startups at the idea and incubation stages.
The origins of Kria Health can be traced to a workshop held in the run-up to the Health Assembly, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education and the Ministry of Health. The workshop highlighted that innovation in healthcare services faces challenges, among other things due to a lack of investment in projects at the early or incubation stages. The initiative is intended to bridge this gap in cooperation with interested investors.
The objective of Kria Health is to increase opportunities for innovation in healthcare services and to support entrepreneurs working on solutions that can enhance the quality and efficiency of the Icelandic healthcare system for the benefit of all.
Kria Health is intended to invest directly in startups, with an emphasis on companies whose core activity is the development of health-related solutions to known problems. Kria Health focuses on projects related to healthcare services, health technology, digital solutions, diagnostic technology, biotechnology, and other solutions that can contribute to improved disease treatment, more efficient services, or increased safety for patients and staff.
With the support of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, Kria Health has ISK 300 million available for investments. The reference amount for individual investments is approximately ISK 50–70 million, on the condition that an equal or higher matching contribution is provided by other investors. A special expert committee of Kria Health will review all applications submitted, and an online information meeting about the initiative will be held on January 8.
Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, said:
“By providing targeted support for innovation in healthcare services, space is created for practical solutions to continue developing into a permanent part of a stronger and more efficient healthcare system. Ingenuity is the key to the future, and it is my hope that Kria Health will enable important projects to be realized in such a way that we truly feel their impact.”
More information about Kria Health can be found at: https://www.nyskopun.is/heilsukria
