Episode 44: 'i4KIDS' with Sofía Ferreira and Arnau Valls Artwork

The Not Mini Adults Podcast - “Pioneers for Children’s Healthcare and Wellbeing”

"Stories have the power to change the world! Listen in with the co-founders of children's charity Thinking of Oscar as they discuss stories with some of the world's modern day pioneers doing what they can to change the way in which children are cared for and looked after. The aim of the podcast is to educate, inspire and beat the drum for the individuals who are looking to make a big difference to the lives of children. Hear conversations with clinicians, teachers, innovators, parents, nurses and many others who share how they are working to change the world for the better for children everywhere. We hope you will be inspired by their stories."

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The Not Mini Adults Podcast - “Pioneers for Children’s Healthcare and Wellbeing”

Episode 44: 'i4KIDS' with Sofía Ferreira and Arnau Valls

November 07, 2025 • Season 5 • Episode 2

In this episode we are joined by Arnau Valls and Sofía Ferreira from Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, where they lead the hospital’s innovation department and also run an open innovation initiative called i4Kids.

We explore how they work to identify and address unmet needs within the hospital by connecting them with opportunities and partnerships from outside, including universities, start-ups, industry, patient groups, and other international hospitals. All with the aim of accelerating solutions that support children and families.

Arnau and Sofía explain how i4Kids operates, why collaboration is so critical, and how their approach is shaping the future of paediatric innovation in Spain and beyond. We also discuss their upcoming conference in Barcelona this November - The Paediatric Innovation Day 2025, an event that’s certainly not to be missed.

i4KIDS-EUROPE published the following report "Challenges and Opportunities for Effective Paediatric Innovation in Europe"

The report, published by the i4KIDS-EUROPE consortium, examines the state of pediatric innovation and includes recommendations to boost the pediatric and maternal health innovation sector in Europe. Increasing public and private investment, easing regulations, facilitating the adoption of innovation, and supporting the creation of pediatric innovation infrastructures in hospitals are among the proposals.

Thinking of Oscar website and contact details can be found here.

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Theme Music - ‘Mountain’
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Copyright Lisa Fitzgibbon 2000
Written & performed by Lisa Fitzgibbon,
Violin Jane Griffiths

Podcast editing - Chris Robson Audio

Podcast artwork thanks to - The Podcast Design Experts