Pharma 4 Novation: Empowering Tunisia’s Pharma Innovators

Launched on 1 February 2025, Pharma 4 Novation is Tunisia’s first dedicated pre‑incubation program for pharmacists and pharmacy students. Co‑created by HealthCare Innovation (HCI), the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir (FPHM), the Regional Council of Pharmacists (CNOPT) and Opalia Recordati, the initiative equips young pharmacists to transform ideas into validated, market‑ready solutions.

Why Pharma 4 Novation Matters

Pharma 4 Novation addresses systemic gaps in Tunisia’s pharmaceutical ecosystem: limited training in innovation, weak startup creation pathways, and fragmented market access. The WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health emphasizes governance and skills, while OECD digital health analyses highlight the need for structured programs that bridge academia, industry, and regulation.

Program Overview

• • • Structured pathway: idea validation → business modeling → regulatory readiness → market access.
    • 15+ projects in first edition across AI diagnostics, biotech, and digital pharmaceutical care tools.
    • Hands‑on training, expert webinars (France & Tunisia), rapid prototyping, and funding readiness.

What Participants Receive

• • • Business Design Thinking & Market Studies training.
    • Global webinars led by HCI , FPHM , and mentors from Opalia Recordati
    • Rapid prototyping workshops on AI and software integration.
    • Funding sessions delivered with Attijari bank Tunisie
    • High‑level mentoring and access to hospital/lab validation networks.

A Multi‑Actor Alliance for National Change

• • • HealthCare Innovation (HCI): Program design, expert network, strategic coordination.
    • Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir (FPHM): Academic partner & institutional host.
    • Regional Council of Pharmacists (CNOPT): Professional oversight & field expertise.
    • Opalia Recordati: Industry partner, enabling access to real‑world challenges.

Strategic Impact for Tunisia

• • • Academic–Industry Bridging: linking training with real‑world execution.
    • Entrepreneurial Mindset: embedding innovation early in pharmacists’ careers.
    • Local Innovation, Global Vision: ensuring Euro‑Med competitiveness.
    • Sustainable Talent Pipeline: pharmacists leading in biotech, HealthTech, and entrepreneurship.

What’s Next?

Future editions will expand with broader access, more international partnerships, and deeper validation support. Pharma 4 Novation is scaling to become a flagship initiative for North Africa’s pharmaceutical and biotech sector.

HCI Resources 

Accelerating Innovation in HealthTech → https://healthcareinnovation.tn/accelerating-innovation-in-healthtech/
Startup Programs → https://healthcareinnovation.tn/service/startups/
Pharma & Medical Device Regulatory Services → https://healthcareinnovation.tn/service/pharma-medical-device/
Experts Network → https://healthcareinnovation.tn/experts/
Community Overview → https://healthcareinnovation.tn/community/

External Citations

WHO — Global Strategy on Digital Health (2020–2025): https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240068891
OECD — Digital Health Overview: https://www.oecd.org/health/digital-health.htm
FPHM — Official Site: https://fphm.rnu.tn/
Opalia Recordati — Official Site: https://opaliarecordati.com/en/
CNOPT — National Order of Pharmacists: https://cnopt.tn/conseils/
Attijari bank Tunisie: https://www.attijaribank.com.tn/fr

FAQ

Q: Who can apply to Pharma 4 Novation?
A: Pharmacists and pharmacy students in Tunisia with ideas in pharma, biotech, or digital health.
Q: What support is included?
A: Training, mentoring, rapid prototyping, and funding readiness with partners like HCI, FPHM, Opalia Recordati, and Attijari bank Tunisie.
Q: How does the program ensure regulatory readiness?
A: Through EU/FDA‑aligned step‑by‑step guidance, HCI’s regulatory services, and hospital/lab validation networks.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Visit the official Pharma 4 Novation page or contact HCI Services