I+MED S COOP

Their core work

I+MED is a Spanish biomedical cooperative specializing in therapeutic hydrogels and nanogel formulations for pain management and tissue repair. Their core work centers on developing injectable nanohydrogels targeting fascial tissues and nerve-related chronic pain. They also contribute to broader polymer-based biomedical device development, including ophthalmic drug delivery systems and wound dressings through collaborative research networks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

I+MED entered H2020 in 2018 with a tight focus on therapeutic nanohydrogels for pain management, first validating the concept through the SME Instrument (FasNaGel) and then scaling research via an MSCA fellowship (TherGelFas). By 2020, they broadened into general biomedical polymer design through the MEDIPOL consortium, signaling expansion beyond their original hydrogel niche into wider biomaterial applications like ophthalmic delivery and wound care.

I+MED is expanding from a single-product hydrogel focus toward a broader biomedical polymer platform, making them increasingly relevant for diverse medical device and drug delivery collaborations.

How they like to work

I+MED predominantly leads its own projects — two of three H2020 projects were coordinated by them, indicating confidence in driving research agendas despite being an SME. Their consortium network is small (5 partners across 3 countries), suggesting they work in focused, tight-knit teams rather than large multi-partner consortia. This makes them a hands-on partner who likely contributes directly to R&D rather than managing large administrative structures.

I+MED has worked with 5 unique partners across 3 countries, forming a compact but internationally connected network. Their partnerships are concentrated rather than sprawling, typical of SMEs building deep technical relationships over broad alliances.

What sets them apart

I+MED occupies a rare niche as a cooperative SME developing injectable therapeutic hydrogels — a space where few small companies operate independently as project coordinators. Their progression from SME Instrument validation to MSCA research fellowships demonstrates ability to attract different types of EU funding for the same core technology. Based in the Basque Country's strong biomedical ecosystem, they combine cooperative governance with focused biomedical product development.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TherGelFas
  Largest funded project (EUR 170,122) as coordinator, developing injectable nanometric hydrogel for fascial tissue therapy via MSCA fellowship.
• MEDIPOL
  Marks I+MED's expansion into broader biomedical polymer research as a participant in a larger MSCA-RISE network running through 2024.