SPARK-BIH hosts GLOBAL meeting and anniversary
Posted on January 7th, 2026
From September 30 to October 1, the SPARK GLOBAL community gathered in Berlin for this year’s annual meeting and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SPARK-BIH.
The annual SPARK GLOBAL meeting brought together leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the network. Over several days, participants exchanged insights, shared best practices, and strengthened collaborations aimed at accelerating the translation of academic discoveries into real-world impact. The meeting highlighted the diversity and growth of SPARK programs worldwide and reinforced our shared commitment to supporting researchers and innovators at every stage of development.
The program also included a VC Day, during which SPARK teams pitched their projects to investors and industry experts. These sessions provided constructive feedback and opportunities for teams to better understand the investment landscape.
The SPARK-BIH 10th anniversary celebration brought together more than 220 participants, including the SPARK GLOBAL community, colleagues, founders, supporters, advisors, alumni, and current SPARK teams, to reflect on a decade of fostering translational research, collaboration, and innovation.
Over the past years, SPARK-BIH has grown into a key player of the translational ecosystem. By providing milestone-based funding, mentorship, education, and a global network, SPARK-BIH empowers research teams bridging the gap between academic discovery and patient benefit.
The event celebrated the people who shaped SPARK-BIH, a strong community dedicated to turning ideas into products.
Permalink: https://sparkmed.stanford.edu/spark-bih-hosts-global-meeting-and-anniversary/