The Tuscany Health Ecosystem (THE) is one of the 11 nationally funded innovation ecosystems, but, differently from the others, is entirely dedicated to life sciences. The main goal of the project is to stimulate and support the growth and the consolidation of the life sciences ecosystem in Tuscany through a multidisciplinary approach, specialized skills, cross-contamination of technology and knowledge, and efficient communication between researchers, clinicians, and companies. The THE aims to respond to the needs of the life sciences field in terms of innovation and education, thus allowing for the consolidation of the regional ecosystem and its competitiveness on a regional, national, and global level. The subjects of interest of the Tuscany Health Ecosystem are advanced radiotherapies and diagnostics in oncology, preventive and predictive medicine, state-of-the-art technologies, methods, and materials for human health and wellbeing, nanotechnologies for diagnostics and therapies, innovation for health and wellbeing, precision medicine and personalized healthcare, innovation in translational medicine, biotechnologies and imaging in neurosciences, robotics and automation, and people’s wellness. The TLS Foundation supports the Ecosystem in technology transfer activities, business start-up activities, regulatory support, dissemination and partnering.

The Life Science TTO Network project, funded under the “Ecosistemi innovativi della salute – Rete di centri di trasferimento tecnologico” program (complementary fundings), led by the Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, aims at creating and consolidating a network of technology transfer centers in order to strengthen the Italian Health Service. The project will last 42 months, and the TLS Foundation is involved as 2^nd level Spoke, member of the Project Committee and, through the UVaR office (Ufficio per la Valorizzazione della Ricerca, lit. office for the enhancement of research), supporter of the participation of Territorial Technical Offices, institutions pertaining to the Regional Health Service and Tuscany’s Universities in the project. Funds receives: 15 million euros (100K for TLS Foundation).

The Life Science TTO NETWORK, named “PerfeTTO”, sees the involvement of I and II level Spoke located throughout Italy. Its aim is to promote technology transfer activities and the creation of new innovative start-ups and spin-offs in the life sciences sector. Existing technology transfer facilities such as Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) of Universities and Public Research Institutions, facilities operating in several Institutes for Treatment and Research and other NHS entities, regional TTOs, and networks of TT Offices will be pooled and systematised, integrating and providing technical support. 54 associates, including Institutes for Treatment and Research, universities, public and private bodies, all organized into Level I and Level II HUBs and Spokes, are participating in the project. The Centro Cardiologico Monzino in Milan, the Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori” and the Institute for Treatment and Research “Saverio de Bellis” will represent the whole national network. The aim of the project is to build an innovative health ecosystem through the creation of clinical-translational research networks of excellence within the National Health Service, capable of pooling available technologies and existing expertise. The project will last 8 years, and it will be cofunded by the Italian Ministry of Health for 4 years.