Events

Final program for Break the Gap 2025

Two days, two iconic venues, eight solutions that promise a significant impact.

After three online sessions that have put ideas, teams and business models to the test, the culminating moment of Break the Gap: AI for Health & Sport Summit 2025 has arrived. On September 9 and 10, Barcelona becomes the capital of innovation in health and sport with the celebration of the in-person final days of the event.

During these two days, the moment arrives for the finalist projects to present their final solutions before the jury, receive live feedback, and compete to win the event in their respective vertical.

The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site and the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium will be the stages where talent, technology, and vision of the future come together. The objective? To transform existing challenges in health, wellness and sport into scalable solutions with market potential.

Whether you are part of the innovation ecosystem or simply want to get inspired and discover what is coming, here is everything you need to know so you do not miss the best of Break the Gap 2025.

Final event program

Tuesday, September 9 – Health vertical

📍 Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (Barcelona Health Hub)

⏰ From 09:00 to 14:00 h

09:00 – Registration and welcome coffee

The day kicks off with coffee and accreditation in an unbeatable setting. A perfect opportunity to start the day by connecting with other attendees, mentors, investors, and key players from the HealthTech ecosystem.

09:30 – Institutional opening

Eric Garcia, CEO of GooApps, will open the session together with representatives from the Barcelona Health Hub. A warm welcome will be given to attendees, and the purpose of this edition will be introduced: to transform ideas into real, scalable, and meaningful solutions.

10:00 to 11:00 – Pitch from the 4 health finalist projects

Each team will have 20 minutes to present their solution to the jury and the audience:

10:00 – CON-TACTO
10:20 – MyMind
10:40 – QGuard Med
11:00 – RheumaLink

The pitches will combine storytelling, technical validation, and value proposition. And yes, there will be questions. Because what is being evaluated here is not only the potential but also the clarity of execution. Discover in full detail the finalist projects and their respective teams through the following link.

11:30 – Breakfast and networking

While the jury deliberates in private, attendees will enjoy an informal breakfast with modernist views. This is the moment to meet firsthand the experts who have served as mentors to the finalist teams, explore potential future collaborations, and even hear the occasional “See you later for the vermouth!”

12:00 – Keynote 1 | Success story of La Ruta Azul

“From winning to MVP: how La Ruta Azul overcame the ‘messy middle’ of digital health entrepreneurship,” with Alfonso Amado (doctor and founder of La Ruta Azul) and Eric Garcia (CEO of GooApps).

An unfiltered talk about the most complicated stretch for any startup: that messy middle where uncertainty is total. La Ruta Azul was last year’s winning project and this session promises both inspiration and practical lessons for those building from scratch.

12:30 – Keynote 2 | European innovation ecosystem

“Opportunities from EIT Health for health startups,” with Antonio Rodríguez Hita, Entrepreneurship Lead at EIT Health Spain. A session that focuses on how to navigate the European health innovation ecosystem with intelligence.

13:00 – End of session and awards ceremony

The winning project in the health vertical will be announced. The awards ceremony will close out an intense morning, but it may very well open doors to new projects, alliances, or investments.

13:30 – DJ set and vermouth networking

Yes, there is a DJ. Yes, there is vermouth. And yes, you should stay. Because in the hallways, with a drink in hand, is often where the next startups are born. And this time, in addition to the mentors, you will also have the chance to meet the experts who served as the event’s jury.

Wednesday, September 10 – Sport vertical

📍 Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (Montjuïc)

⏰ From 09:00 to 14:00 h

09:00 – Registration and welcome coffee

The Olympic Stadium opens its doors to welcome attendees, teams, and experts from the SportTech ecosystem. With coffee in hand, it will be the perfect moment to activate networking from the very start, in a setting full of sporting history.

09:30 – Institutional opening

Eric Garcia, CEO of GooApps, will offer a welcome alongside the team from Barcelona Sports Hub, local partner for this session. A brief speech to set the tone: sport needs technology with impact. And that is exactly what we came here to build.

10:00 to 11:00 – Pitch from the 4 sport finalist projects

Time to take the stage and show strength—strategic, technological, and impactful. The order will be as follows:

10:00 – Sport For All
10:20 – Oncologym
10:40 – TwinH
11:00 – 10Mets

Each presentation will last 20 minutes, including questions from the jury. This is not about empty spectacle, but rather viable proposals that could revolutionize how we move, train, and care for ourselves through sport. Discover in full detail the finalist projects and their respective teams through the following link.

11:30 – Breakfast and networking

While the jury retreats for private deliberation, attendees will have the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, or simply enjoy the privileged surroundings of Montjuïc. Just like in the health vertical, here you will also be able to meet all the experts in sport who have served as mentors to the finalist teams.

12:00 – Keynote 1 | Sustainability and innovation in sport

“Breaking turf ceilings: leadership and innovation with an impact on sustainability,” with Leonor Gallardo Guerrero (Director of the FIFA Institute for Technology and Innovation). A bold perspective on how artificial turf—often criticized for its environmental impact—can become a driver of circular economy. A talk meant to challenge, inform and rethink what we take for granted.

12:30 – Keynote 2 | Funding for business innovation

“Public funding opportunities: keys to boost your entrepreneurial project in today’s ecosystem,” with Ela Goralska, expert consultant in public funding for R&D&I. She will share practical keys to understanding the current landscape of grants, soft loans, and tax incentives aimed at entrepreneurs and startups.

13:00 – End of session and awards ceremony

The winning project in the sport vertical will be announced. A decisive moment that closes the competition but opens a new path for the selected teams.

13:30 – DJ set and vermouth networking

The wrap-up will be just like the day before: live music, a relaxed atmosphere, and the entire SportTech ecosystem celebrating that this is not the end, but the beginning. Just like in the health vertical, during this final session you will also get the chance to meet the experts who served as jury members in the sport vertical event.

Keynotes from the final sessions

At the finals of Break the Gap 2025, in addition to witnessing the innovative solutions presented by the 8 finalist projects, you will also have the opportunity to learn from those who have already walked the path of entrepreneurship, innovation, or change management.

In each vertical’s program you will find two keynotes delivered by high-level experts that you simply cannot miss.

Aquí tienes la traducción del primer H3 dentro del apartado de keynotes, correspondiente a la vertical Salud:

Health vertical – September 9

Speaker: Alfonso Amado

Keynote: From award to MVP: how La Ruta Azul overcame the ‘messy middle’ of digital health entrepreneurship

Time: 12:00 – 12:30 h

Who is he?

Alfonso Amado is a Doctor of Medicine, researcher and founder of La Ruta Azul, a digital platform focused on early diagnosis and personalized intervention for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. He combines scientific vision with social sensitivity and was recognized with the 2024 AI & mHealth Challenge from GooApps®.

What will this talk cover?

Winning a competition may feel like the climax, but it is only the beginning. This keynote focuses on what comes next: the “messy middle” of entrepreneurship. Alfonso and Eric will share how they went from an award-winning idea to an MVP ready to be validated with real users:

  • Validation with real families 
  • Conversations with leading figures in the sector 
  • Doubts, lessons learned, and mistakes 
  • Obsession with impact and user-centered design

A talk aimed at practical dreamers: entrepreneurs, technologists, healthcare professionals, and anyone who is at that critical point where it is time to stop imagining and start building.

Because surviving the “messy middle” is what separates inspiring ideas from real solutions.

Speaker: Antonio Rodríguez Hita

Keynote: Opportunities from EIT Health for health startups

Time: 12:30 – 13:00 h

Who is he?

Antonio Rodríguez is the Entrepreneurship Lead at EIT Health Spain. A specialist in technology transfer and healthcare entrepreneurship, he has spent more than 15 years working on the commercialization of health innovations, the creation of spin-offs, and the development of training programs for startups.

What will this talk cover?

A masterclass on how to scale within the European health innovation ecosystem, with a focus on:

  • What EIT Health is and how it operates at both European and Spanish levels
  • Technology transfer models: licensing vs. spin-offs
  • Specific opportunities for startups:

    • Training programs
    • Strategic support from the idea stage
    • International expansion
  • Real success stories within EIT Health

All of this explained with the rigor of someone who knows the system, but also with the clarity of someone who understands that many startups need practical and concrete guidance to avoid getting lost in the institutional maze.

Sport vertical – September 10

Speaker: Leonor Gallardo Guerrero

Keynote: Breaking turf ceilings: leadership and innovation with an impact on sustainability

Time: 12:00 – 12:30 h

Who is she?

Leonor Gallardo is one of the most prominent voices in the SportTech ecosystem in Europe. She is a Full Professor of Physical and Sports Education at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, director of the IGOID Group, and CEO of IGOID-SPORTEC, a technology-based company. She also leads the FIFA Research Institute for Football Technology and Innovation, where high-impact solutions for the sports industry are explored.

What will this talk cover?

Artificial turf is under scrutiny. New regulations on microplastics point to it as one of the main pollutants in sport. But Leonor is here to flip the narrative.

This keynote begins with a provocation: What if artificial turf is not the problem, but part of the solution?

Leonor will talk about:

  • How innovation in sports surfaces can lead the circular economy
  • What technologies and materials are changing the synthetic turf paradigm
  • How to shift from the role of “accused” to that of “sustainability leader”

She will also speak about female leadership, invisible barriers, and how to make room for new perspectives in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

A talk designed to rethink what we know (or think we know) about sustainability, innovation, and sport.

Speaker: Ela Goralska

Keynote: Public funding opportunities: keys to boost your entrepreneurial project in today’s ecosystem

Time: 12:30 – 13:00 h

Who is she?

Ela Goralska is an RTD Project Manager and expert consultant in public funding for innovation. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has supported companies, startups and public entities in defining R&D&I strategies and securing grants and subsidies for their projects. Her professional background covers everything from European calls to national and regional programs, combining strategic vision with practical execution.

What will this talk cover?

Entrepreneurship is already hard enough. But if you do not know how to navigate public funding, you could be out of the game before you even start.

In this practical session, organized by Redinnova Consulting, Ela will break down:

  • What types of public funding are currently available for entrepreneurs and startups:

    • Non-repayable grants
    • Soft loans
    • Tax incentives and R&D&I deductions
  • Who can access each type of funding
  • When in the project cycle each option makes the most sense
  • And most importantly: how to avoid wasting time on calls that are not a good fit

The session is designed for founders, CFOs, innovation teams, or anyone leading a startup who needs clarity to plan their roadmap using public resources.

Because when you know which doors to knock on—and how—funding stops being a problem and becomes a competitive advantage.

How to participate as an attendee

Who is the event for?

Break the Gap: AI for Health & Sport Summit 2025 is designed for anyone interested in technological innovation focused on health, wellness, and sport.

The attendee profile includes:

  • Healthcare and sports professionals 
  • Entrepreneurs and early-stage startups 
  • Investors 
  • Innovation managers at hospitals, federations, or high-performance centers 
  • Technology professionals 
  • Students in technical, biomedical, or sports-related fields 
  • Public agents linked to health or sport

And of course, anyone eager to learn, connect, and get inspired.

You do not need to be part of a finalist team or have a project in order to attend. All you need is the desire to connect with innovation.

How to attend in person? Is prior registration required?

Yes, prior registration is required in order to attend the in-person sessions on September 9 and 10 in Barcelona.

You have two options to register:

  1. Email:
    Send an email to [email protected] with the subject:
    “Participation in the Health/Sport in-person session of Break the Gap”
    Include the following in the body of the email:
  • Your full name 
  • Phone number
  1. Registration form
    You just need to fill out the following form.

Admission is free, but spots are limited. So if you are sure you want to attend, sign up now!

Will it be streamed online?

Yes, the final sessions will also be available via live streaming. That way, if you cannot travel to Barcelona, you can still watch the pitches, keynotes, and awards ceremonies from anywhere.

To watch the final sessions online, you only need to fill out the following form.

Is there limited capacity?

Yes. For safety reasons and due to the venue capacity, attendance for each in-person session is limited.

Although the event is free, only those who have completed the prior registration process and check in on the day at the access point will be allowed in.

No physical badges will be issued, but registration will be mandatory for entry.

Tips and suggestions to enjoy the event in Barcelona

Break the Gap 2025 takes place in a city that has it all—unmatched connections, iconic venues, top-notch gastronomy, and culture around every corner.

Here is a practical guide to help you make the most of your stay in the Catalan capital.

How to get to the venues from other cities

By plane

Barcelona is served by El Prat International Airport (BCN), with direct connections from the main Spanish cities:

  • From Madrid: daily flights with Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair, and Air Europa 
  • From other cities: connections from Seville, Málaga, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, and many more

The airport is about 12 km from the city center. Getting there is easy, fast, and relatively affordable.

By train (AVE and high-speed rail)

A convenient and fast option if you prefer to travel by land:

  • From Madrid: direct AVE to Barcelona Sants in just 2h 30 min 
  • From Zaragoza, Tarragona or Girona: frequent AVE or Avant services

5% discount on RENFE!

If you are traveling by train, you can benefit from an exclusive discount for event attendees. Send an email to [email protected] requesting the discount code, and you will receive it in your inbox.
Important: The discount is valid only for AVE – Long Distance services.

How to get from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the venues

Whether you land at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, getting from the airport to the center of Barcelona is easy. Below we explain the best options to reach both the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site and the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

By car, taxi, or ride-hailing service

Estimated time: 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Recommended route:

  • Take the C-31 towards Barcelona.
  • From there, you can continue via Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes or Av. Diagonal, depending on your destination.
  • Follow the signs to central Barcelona and then to Sant Pau or Montjuïc.

Ideal if you are traveling with luggage, in a group, or prefer door-to-door convenience.

By Aerobús

Approximate price: €6–7
Frequency: every 5–10 minutes
Duration: 35–45 minutes

The Aerobús connects the airport directly with Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya, two main hubs from which you can link to metro, bus, or taxi.

To get to Sant Pau: from Plaça Catalunya, take Metro L5 toward Sant Pau | Dos de Maig.
To get to the Olympic Stadium: from Plaça Espanya, take Bus 150 or ride the Montjuïc funicular.

By metro

Line L9 Sud connects the airport with the rest of the network. From L9 you can transfer to:

  • L5 (blue) to reach Sant Pau 
  • L3 (green) or L2 (purple) to connect at Paral·lel and ascend to Montjuïc via the funicular

Estimated total duration: 45 to 60 minutes, depending on transfers

Price: between €5 and €10, depending on ticket type

How to get from central Barcelona to the event venues

Whether you are staying in Eixample, Gràcia, El Born, or Sants, reaching the Break the Gap 2025 venues is simple. Here is how to get to the two locations where the final sessions will take place.

September 9 session – Health vertical

 📍 Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (Barcelona Health Hub), Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona

By car

  • Head north via Carrer de Marina or Carrer de Lepant.
  • Follow the signs to Hospital de Sant Pau.
  • The journey from the city center usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

By metro

  • Take Line 5 (blue) to Sant Pau | Dos de Maig station.
  • From there, walk 5 minutes along Av. Gaudí to the main entrance.

By city bus

  • Bus lines that stop near the venue:
  • 19, 47, and H8

Venue access

  • Enter through the main gate of the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (directly across from Passeig de Gaudí).
  • Climb the stairs to the security checkpoint.
  • You will need to provide your details: name, ID number, email, and professional sector.
  • Then proceed to the Sant Manuel Building, where the GooApps team will direct you to the event hall.

September 10 session – Sport vertical

 📍 Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (Montjuïc), Passeig Olímpic, 17-19, 08038 Barcelona

By car

  • From the city center, take Gran Via or Av. del Paral·lel.
  • Ascend Montjuïc via Passeig de Santa Madrona or Carretera de Montjuïc.
  • The journey takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • There are designated parking areas around the stadium, although it is advisable to arrive early.

By metro and funicular

  • Take the metro to Paral·lel station (L2 or L3).
  • From there, ride the Montjuïc Funicular, which takes you directly up the mountain.
  • Once at the top, you can walk about 10–15 minutes or transfer to Bus 150.

By city bus

  • Line 150: departs from Plaça Espanya and drops you off just a few meters from the Olympic Stadium
  • Line 55: connects various areas of the city center with the Montjuïc area

Venue access

Although the exact entrance is not yet confirmed, access will require same-day registration. The GooApps team will be stationed at the stadium entrance to confirm your details and guide you to the designated presentation area.

Recommended accommodations nearby

If you are coming from outside Barcelona or simply prefer to stay near the event venues, here is a selection of hotels recommended for their proximity, accessibility, and services. Some also offer exclusive discount codes for attendees of Break the Gap 2025.

Hotel Ilunion Bel Art

Ayre Hotel Rosellón

Catalonia Sagrada Familia

Catalonia Barcelona Plaza

  • Location: Right on Plaça Espanya, ideal for the second day at Montjuïc
  •  Website: https://www.cataloniahotels.com/en/hotel/catalonia-barcelona-plaza
  • Discount code: CATALONIABCN (valid for any Catalonia group hotel in Barcelona)

💡 Tip: September is high season in Barcelona. We recommend booking as soon as possible to ensure availability near the venues.

Places to visit

Central Barcelona

  • Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s masterpiece. 
  • Gothic Quarter: Historic streets, Barcelona Cathedral, and hidden squares. 
  • La Rambla and La Boqueria Market: Strolling and gastronomy. 
  • Passeig de Gràcia: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and iconic shops. 
  • Plaça Catalunya: The nerve center of the city. 
  • El Born and Santa Maria del Mar: Bohemian and cultural district. 
  • Port Vell and Barceloneta: Waterfront promenade, beach, and cuisine. 

Montjuïc

  • Montjuïc Castle: Panoramic views of Barcelona. 
  • Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC): Art and architecture. 
  • Joan Miró Foundation: Contemporary art. 
  • Joan Maragall Gardens: Nature and tranquility. 
  • Magic Fountain: Nighttime water and light shows.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

What are the evaluation criteria for the projects presented?

Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Problem-solving relevance (20%) 
  • Simplicity of the solution (20%) 
  • Feasibility for a pilot launch (30%) 
  • Scalability and business model (20%) 
  • Team involvement (10%)

How can I attend the final sessions in person?

To attend the Break the Gap 2025 final sessions in person (September 9 and 10 in Barcelona), you must register in advance. You can do so in two ways:

By email:

Send an email to [email protected]

Subject: Participation in the Health/Sport in-person session of Break the Gap
In the body of the message, include:

  • Your full name
  • Phone number

Via the official registration form:

Fill out the online attendance form.

Once registered, on the day of the event you must check in at the entrance by providing your personal details (name, ID, email, and professional sector). No physical badge will be issued, but access control will be mandatory.

Can I attend if I am not part of a team?

Yes, absolutely. Break the Gap 2025 is not an event exclusively for participants or finalists.

It is open to anyone interested in:

  • Innovation in health or sport 
  • Technology with social impact 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Acceleration and venture building ecosystems 
  • Or simply eager to learn and be inspired

You may attend as an observer, as a sector professional, as a student, or as someone curious to see first-hand how real-potential ideas are presented.

Just remember that prior registration is required.

Where exactly are the sessions taking place?

The in-person sessions of Break the Gap 2025 will be held in two iconic venues in the city of Barcelona, each dedicated to one of the event’s verticals: health and sport.

Health vertical final – September 9

 📍 Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site – Barcelona Health Hub
Address: C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona

Sport vertical final – September 10

 📍 Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (Montjuïc)
Address: Passeig Olímpic, 17-19, 08038 Barcelona

Will the event be streamed online?

Yes. If you cannot travel to Barcelona or prefer to follow the sessions from home or work, you can do so via live streaming.

The stream will include:

  • Finalist project presentations 
  • Inspirational and strategic keynotes 
  • Announcement of the winning projects in each vertical

Access to the streaming is available through the following link.

What kind of profiles attend the event?

Among the most common profiles, you will find:

  • Startups and entrepreneurs in digital health and sport 
  • Investors 
  • Healthcare and sports professionals 
  • Researchers and technologists focused on applied R&D&I 
  • Innovation leaders from hospitals, federations, universities, and high-performance centers 
  • Students in technical degrees, health sciences, design or management 
  • Consultancies, agencies, and public entities linked to innovation, accessibility, or entrepreneurship 
  • Journalists and specialized media outlets

Will there be networking spaces?

Yes, they are integrated into the program as part of the overall experience.

In both the health and sport sessions, specific moments have been designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and the discovery of synergies among attendees, projects, and ecosystem players.

The two main networking spaces will be:

Breakfast networking (11:30 h)

While the jury deliberates, an informal breakfast will be offered where you can:

  • Connect with speakers, mentors, and other attendees 
  • Ask finalists directly about their projects 
  • Share ideas with like-minded individuals 
  • Discover collaboration opportunities

Vermouth networking with DJ (13:30 h)

The perfect wrap-up to each day. A relaxed atmosphere, music, and vermouth to:

  • Celebrate shared talent 
  • Break the ice naturally 
  • Start conversations that could lead to future partnerships

Will any prizes be awarded at the end of the event?

Yes. At the end of each day, the winning team for each vertical (health and sport) will be announced, and those teams will receive a prize designed to boost their future as a startup.

The winning team from each vertical will have the opportunity to access an equity investment of €50,000, offered by Goo Ventures®.

 

 

 

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