Picture this: the summer of 2023, a vibrant Barcelona, and me – diving headfirst into the world of healthcare innovation at EIT Health Spain. It was a whirlwind experience that unfolded from June to mid-July this year. Guided by my incredible mentors, I embarked on a thrilling six-week adventure, filled with learning, teamwork, and innovation. This blog post is my diary of sorts, chronicling the ups and downs, the 'aha' moments, and the milestones that marked my journey at EIT Health Spain.

Week 1: First Steps

I kicked off my journey with an eagerness to learn and explore. Week one was all about introductions. I met the fantastic project supervisors and the talented team members who would be my companions on this adventure. We dove into the project documentation and got a sense of the lay of the land. But it wasn't all work; I also immersed myself in the Barcelona and Spanish Innovation Ecosystem, savouring the rich culture and bustling innovation scene.

Week 2: Crafting Dreams

With the basics in place, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. My primary focus was the EIT Health i-Days project, and my mission was clear: design a preliminary project plan that would set us on the path to success. But I wasn't navigating this journey alone; feedback from my supervisors was like a compass, guiding me in the right direction.

Simultaneously, I began weaving the threads of collaboration between CLC Spain and the Innovators Community Board. These connections were like bridges uniting different worlds, and they would play a pivotal role in our future projects.

Week 3: The Magic of Data

Week three was all about data, and I couldn't have been more thrilled. My task was to analyse data for EIT Health i-Days, and the insights we uncovered were nothing short of magical. Our recommendations provided clear guidance, pointing the way toward improvement. It was a reminder that in the digital age, data could be such a powerful tool for change.

Week 4: Bringing Ideas to Life

As the weeks sailed by, I transitioned into project implementation mode. Our canvas was the Open Innovation project, and we were artists, envisioning potential solution streams and meticulously analysing relevant data. 

Week 5: A Grand Finale

With the finish line in sight, week five was all about dotting the i's and crossing the t's. I poured my energy into refining our projects' final deliverables, leaving no stone unturned. We dissected the existing partners, identifying those aligned with DeepTech and paving the way for future engagement.

In parallel, I crafted promotional material to entice future student participants into the i-Days program. It was about not just achieving success but also leaving a legacy for those who would follow in our footsteps.

Week 6: Reflection and Farewells

My final week was a whirlwind of reflection, team-building, and farewells. We stepped out of the office and into the sphere of team dynamics, solving mysteries and strengthening our bonds. It was a break from the hustle and bustle, a chance to connect on a personal level with my colleagues.

Reflecting on my journey with the project officers, we worked on some serious tasks such as fine-tuning our project reports and presentations, but also managed to create incredible bonds. I had the privilege of attending a seminar on pediatric health technology, broadening my horizons in the world of healthcare innovation.

My six weeks at EIT Health Spain were like a rollercoaster ride – thrilling, challenging, and exciting. I didn't just gain insights into healthcare innovation - I discovered the power of collaboration and effective communication in driving change.

As I bid farewell to my incredible colleagues at EIT Health Spain, I knew that I had left my mark on the projects I had worked on. But this journey is far from over. I eagerly anticipate potential future collaborations and the possibility of returning to Barcelona for the i-Days final event in November. EIT Health Spain has not just enriched my knowledge - it has ignited a passion for healthcare innovation that will guide me on this lifelong search for discovery and impact.