Imagine a future where doctors can print living tissues directly onto wounds, AI predicts diseases before symptoms appear, and cancer treatments are faster and more precise than ever. That future is closer than you think.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is backing some of the most groundbreaking health technologies set to make waves in 2025. From next-gen diagnostics to revolutionary treatments, the EIC’s 2024 Tech Report spotlights six emerging innovations that could reshape healthcare.
These advancements align with major European health initiatives, aiming to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes.
Here are the crucial EIC-funded breakthroughs that could define the future of medicine.
#1 Metabolic Modulation: Rethinking how cells work
For a long time, metabolism was seen as just the body’s energy factory. Now, scientists realize it’s actually the master control system for many cell functions, playing a key role in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Exciting developments are on the horizon, especially in metabolomic biomarkers—tiny chemical clues in the body that could lead to more precise, personalized treatments.
Researchers are also working on new drugs that target metabolism directly, either by influencing specific metabolites or the enzymes that produce them. In the coming years, the EIC report expects the appearance of new treatment methods that directly affect metabolic pathways.
With the help of AI and advanced biological research, metabolomics is set to transform diagnostics and treatment. There are likely to be more proof of concept initial evaluations, case-control studies and clinical trials supporting the efficiency of metabolomics-based diagnostics.
We might soon see real-world applications of this promising approach.
#2 In situ Bioprinting: Printing living tissue inside the body
Imagine if doctors could 3D print living tissues directly onto injuries or damaged organs—no waiting, no complex lab-grown implants. That’s the promise of in situ bioprinting.
Unlike traditional bioprinting, which requires tissues to grow in a lab before implantation, this technology works directly inside the body, reducing risks and improving healing. Scientists are fine-tuning bio-inks (materials used for printing) and robotic-assisted printing techniques to make it even more precise.
In the near future, the EIC tech report expects new, minimally invasive bioprinting methods—perhaps even remote-controlled ones. This will create more efficient and easy-to-access treatment solutions to repair tissues, treat wounds and offer regenerative medicine solutions that suit individual patients.
#3 Targeted Protein Degradation: A new way to fight ‘undruggable’ diseases
Some diseases, including many cancers, immune system and neurodegenerative disorders, have long been considered “undruggable” because their key proteins couldn’t be targeted effectively. That’s changing with targeted protein degradation (TPD).
Instead of just blocking harmful proteins, TPD helps cells break them down entirely. AI-powered drug discovery accelerates this process, identifying new molecules that can trigger this effect.
EIC tech report expects more clinical trials testing these therapies across different diseases, including drug-resistant conditions. These trials will include a wider range of patients, and also investigate innovative existing therapeutics.
It also sees an expanding interest in targeting the cell’s degradation machinery. TPD is a growing field with the potential to develop innovative treatments, especially for patients with limited options today.
#4 FLASH Radiotherapy: Faster, more effective cancer treatment
Radiation therapy is a critical cancer treatment, but it can also damage healthy tissues. FLASH radiotherapy aims to change that by delivering ultra-high doses of radiation in just fractions of a second.
Ongoing research is refining how this method works, ensuring its safety and effectiveness across different cancer types. Scientists are also exploring how FLASH therapy might work alongside other treatments, such as immunotherapy, to improve results.
In the coming years, EIC expects major advancements in radiation delivery technology, making this promising approach more widely available.
#5 3D and 4D Bioprinting: A leap forward in wound healing
3D bioprinting is already in use to create skin substitutes for patients with chronic wounds. But soon, EIC expects these treatments will become even more personalized, using bio-inks that improve cell adhesion and speed up healing.
Taking things a step further, 4D bioprinting allows printed tissues to adapt in real-time—changing based on factors like temperature, pH, or oxygen levels in the body. This could revolutionize wound care and regenerative medicine.
These technologies can translate into synergy between academics, practitioners, and engineers to advance wound care treatment and improve the lives of individuals suffering from chronic wounds.
These technologies can translate into synergy between academics, practitioners, and engineers to advance wound care treatment and improve the lives of individuals suffering from chronic wounds.
These technologies can translate into synergy between academics, practitioners, and engineers to advance wound care treatment and improve the lives of individuals suffering from chronic wounds.
#6 Digital biomarkers and AI-powered precision medicine
The future of healthcare is digital. With AI and wearable sensors, doctors will track health in real time, detect diseases earlier, and create highly personalized treatments.
AI-driven algorithms will become more advanced, capable of analyzing vast amounts of data to predict disease progression and recommend interventions before symptoms even appear.
To make this a reality, healthcare systems need better data-sharing standards and integration. The future of AI in healthcare relies on unified standards and data sharing.
EIC tech report expects increased investment and focus on the development and deployment of new sensor types, wearable technology and AI-powered solutions that monitor the patient’s health status in real-time.
As these technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to transform medicine—giving patients more accurate diagnoses, better treatments, and ultimately, healthier lives.
The EIC: Powering the future of health innovation
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is on a mission to push the boundaries of healthcare technology. By funding groundbreaking deep-tech research—from early-stage ideas to market-ready solutions—the EIC is ensuring Europe stays at the forefront of medical innovation.
Its 2024 Tech Report features 34 emerging technologies derived from a rigorous examination of projects funded by the EIC as well as broader research trends.
The report included six emerging health technologies that could redefine patient care. These breakthroughs span biotech, therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics—key areas that will shape the future of healthcare.
More than just advancing science, these innovations align with major European health initiatives like the European Health Union and the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe. EIC’s main goal is to build stronger, more resilient healthcare systems that tackle global health challenges head-on.
The future of healthcare starts here
The technologies highlighted in this report represent more than just scientific progress—they have the potential to change lives. From smarter diagnostics to next-gen treatments, these innovations could lead to better healthcare, longer lifespans, and improved patient experiences.
By supporting bold ideas and growing deep-tech leaders, the EIC is guiding Europe towards a future where technology enables better health outcomes, better patient experience, and equitable healthcare delivery to everyone.
