VELES
Transforming Healthcare in South-East Europe: The Role of Health and Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria in the VELES Excellence Hub
On a Mission to Transform the Smart Health Landscape in South-East Europe
The Health and Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria is proud to be an active participant in the VELES Excellence Hub, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reshaping the healthcare innovation landscape in South-East Europe. By building the first Regional Smart Health Data Space, we’re helping lay the foundation for a European Health Data Space, designed to enhance the safe exchange and interoperability of health data across borders.
At VELES, we’re driven by a shared mission: to harness the power of smart health innovation to create a lasting, positive impact on healthcare across Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus. With the support of three developed countries—Sweden, Spain, and Germany—VELES is building a collaborative framework that empowers regions to become innovation hubs, seamlessly advancing health data exchange while protecting data privacy.
What Sets the VELES Excellence Hub Apart?
Mission-Driven, Impact-Focused: VELES goes beyond innovation, striving for a sustainable healthcare impact in society.
Cross-Country Collaboration: Working across Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus, we’re fostering place-based ecosystems that champion smart health solutions.
Empowered Health Data Space: By developing a Regional Smart Health Data Space, we’re pioneering secure health data interoperability, setting the groundwork for the European Health Data Space.
Unleashing the Power of Regional Smart Health Data through Targeted Pilot Studies
Each participating country in VELES is conducting pilot studies to address critical healthcare challenges, laying the groundwork for meaningful, data-driven solutions:
Greece: Cancer Treatment Pilot
Bulgaria: Alzheimer’s Pilot
Romania: Cerebral Tumors Pilot
Cyprus: Dementia Pilot
These pilot projects will provide invaluable insights for citizens, healthcare professionals, researchers, and regulatory bodies, offering new pathways for personalized and predictive care in the region.
How VELES Supports Key Stakeholders
Citizens: Enabling citizens to control their health data, ensuring they have access to healthcare wherever they travel.
Health Businesses & Researchers: Facilitating access to comprehensive health data for breakthrough research and innovation.
Healthcare Professionals: Empowering professionals with safe and secure health data, optimizing patient care and treatment.
Authorities & Regulatory Bodies: Providing data-driven insights to inform policy development and regulatory practices.
Why VELES?
The VELES initiative aligns with the EU’s goals for a European Health Data Space by 2025, facilitating data exchange and improving healthcare accessibility. This project addresses critical digitalization needs, as outlined in the RIS3 strategies of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus. By developing coordinated, cross-country approaches, VELES is pioneering a transformative model that aligns with EU priorities and strengthens regional and continental integration.
The Future of VELES and Our Vision
Since its kickoff on June 1, 2023, under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ACCESS-04 initiative, VELES has been committed to creating a sustainable, place-based ecosystem for smart health innovation. The project, valued at €4.75 million, is slated for completion on May 31, 2027. Through collaborative efforts, VELES is establishing South-East Europe as a leader in health data and smart health innovation, setting a strong foundation for future advancements.
Join us as we shape the future of smart healthcare in South-East Europe, powered by the VELES Excellence Hub—a transformative journey bringing together 15 partners, 7 countries, and one shared vision for a healthier future.