OPADE stands out as a success story at SPRI’s international funding conference in Bilbao

March 3, 2026.

On 3 March 2026, the OPADE project was one of the highlights of the ‘Information Day on Funding Opportunities for International Collaboration in R&D&I: HEALTH’, held at the SPRI (Basque Agency for Business Development) in Bilbao. Ángel del Pozo, representing BioKeralty Research Institute, presented the project as a notable success story within Cluster 1 (Health) of the Horizon Europe programme.

A model of innovation in mental health

During his presentation, del Pozo shared OPADE’s experience as an example of how international collaboration can address global health challenges.

The speaker highlighted OPADE’s critical objectives to an audience composed of technical managers, companies and agents from the Basque health system:

  • The identification of key biomarkers in the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
  • The development of an AI/ML-based predictive tool to optimise the prescription of antidepressants.
  • The goal of overcoming the current low remission rate (only 6%) in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Promoting international collaboration

The conference, organised by SPRI and Innobasque (Basque Innovation Agency) in collaboration with CDTI (Centre for Technological Development and Innovation) and the Basque Health Cluster, aimed to encourage organisations to participate in collaborative R&D&I projects. OPADE’s presentation served to demonstrate the viability and impact of projects that integrate various disciplines, from biotechnology to big data analysis, to improve the quality of life of the 280 million people worldwide who suffer from depression.

In addition to OPADE, Del Pozo presented the IN-ARMOR project, consolidating the position of Biokeralty and the OPADE consortium as leaders in the management and execution of high-impact European projects in the field of health.

This event underlines OPADE’s commitment to Open Science and knowledge transfer, sharing lessons learned on how to successfully navigate Horizon Europe Cluster 1 calls.

Follow the future of the OPADE project and connect with our scientific community on our website and social media