The award will be given to the best proposal for an innovation project related to health and the ocean that falls within one of the following areas:

• (1) clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of consuming seafood;
• (2) the development of products or services based on the biological effects of molecules derived from or inspired by chemical structures found in marine environments;
• (3) epidemiology, public health, and the environment in coastal settings:
  • physical activity
  • mental health
  • behavior
  • Changes in biodiversity and associated health risks
  • any other topic within this field;
• (4) technologies in the fields of health and marine-related technologies.

Throughout its development, the project must take into account the dimensions of RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation), specifying in the proposal the actions to be carried out to highlight the importance of public participation and the dissemination of the project to researchers in scientific fields other than health, to the general public, and to other key non-scientific stakeholders (associations, decision-makers, but without scientific training, etc.). The aim is to promote alignment between research processes and their societal outcomes, with the goal of better meeting people’s expectations and needs.

Research-based “ Projects ” aimed at generating new fundamental knowledge—and that do not involve the development or application of new products or services (proof-of-concept studies), the validation of existing or developing products or services (clinical studies or proof-of-concept studies on new uses), or any other proposal that does not have an impact on clinical practice, such as the improvement of clinical practice guidelines or health protocols—will not be eligible for this award.

The proposal will be led by a principal investigator from one of the groups affiliated with INiBICA, who may collaborate (as a co-principal investigator or as part of the Team) with professionals from the Public Health System of the province of Cádiz, or with groups from the University of Cádiz and its university research institutes working in related fields.

The prize is worth ten thousand euros (10,000 €). The funds awarded to the winning project must be used for its development. Note: The prize will be administered through the foundation that manages INiBICA.

The maximum timeframe for completing the “ Projects ” projects must be one year from the date of publication of the jury’s decision (a longer period may be considered if the nature of the project requires it, e.g., in clinical validation studies or projects that depend on approval by the Ethics Committee).

Only expenses arising from the implementation of the project (purchase of materials and resources, services, hiring of personnel, and/or co-financing of contracts necessary to ensure the success of the proposal) may be considered eligible expenses.

Upon completion of the project within the specified timeframe, the final report detailing the results obtained must be submitted to INIBICA.

The submitted “ Projects ” proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation committee composed of professionals with recognized expertise in the field of biomedical innovation who have no conflict of interest with any of the submitted proposals. The evaluation criteria will be:

• Scientific and Technical Proposal and Expected Impact (60 points): quality, feasibility, timeliness, relevance, interest, applicability, and potential for transfer to the market and/or clinical practice; innovation and impact; plan for dissemination and technology and results transfer; alignment of the proposal with the guidelines and with innovation related to the marine-coastal sector. Interest from any public or private entity in the project’s development and results will be viewed favorably, as it will help accelerate its transfer.
• INiBICA Principal Investigator (15 points): research experience (based on whether the group is established or emerging); innovation and technology transfer achievements; experience managing multidisciplinary teams; motivation; previous collaborations on health- Projects s.
• Team researcher (10 points): structure, presence of co-principal investigators, complementarity of profiles, and added value to the proposal; track record or potential for the joint development and implementation of innovations.
• RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation) (5 points): Proposal for actions focused on science education, incorporation of a gender perspective, open access, ethics, governance, and citizen participation, as applicable.
• Impact of the project on INiBICA and its scientific programs (5 points). Consideration will be given to whether the project involves collaboration among different intramural programs, the establishment of new collaborations with external partners, as well as the development of the cross-cutting area of health technology transfer based on marine resources.