On 19–20 February 2026, the IMDEA Nutrición team in Madrid hosted the EIC Pathfinder Portfolio Meeting on Precision Nutrition, bringing together around 30 researchers from the eight funded projects in the portfolio.
The two-day meeting provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the portfolio and accelerate the development of innovative solutions in precision nutrition. By bringing together complementary expertise, the event aimed to move promising technologies closer to real-world application in support of human health.
Building connections to accelerate innovation
The programme combined scientific exchange with strategic discussions and networking opportunities. Project representatives shared progress and explored synergies through dedicated matchmaking sessions, identifying concrete areas for collaboration—such as aligning data collection protocols in clinical trials and enabling data sharing across projects. Insights from the European Patent Office on innovation landscapes and intellectual property further supported discussions on scaling up and future opportunities.
These in-person interactions played a key role in fostering trust and facilitating more tangible connections, creating a strong foundation for future joint work. Informal exchanges during a social programme in central Madrid further strengthened relationships within the portfolio.
From research to application
The second day focused on engagement with industry, welcoming a dozen representatives from companies interested in or developing precision nutrition solutions. In a matchmaking session, participants explored how the emerging technologies from the portfolio could be translated into practical applications, strengthening pathways from research to impact.
Why precision nutrition matters
Cardiometabolic diseases remain a major public health concern in Europe and globally. Precision nutrition offers a promising approach by moving beyond one-size-fits-all recommendations and considering individual variability in metabolism, lifestyle, and biological responses. By enabling more targeted and effective dietary strategies, it has the potential to support prevention and improve long-term health outcomes. The eight projects in the Portfolio each bring their contribution to this moving landscape.
Overall, the meeting reinforced the shared ambition of the portfolio: to foster collaboration, align efforts, and scale up innovative solutions in precision nutrition. Strengthening these connections will be key to translating scientific advances into meaningful benefits for public health.
We are grateful to the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and to IMDEA Nutrición (partner in both Mentoring for Health and DiBaN projects) for organising and hosting this important meeting.
🔗 Learn more about the Portfolio.
