The Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology, ciTechCare, is a leading research, development, and innovation unit at the Polytechnic of Leiria, IPLeiria, dedicated to advancing healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions.
ciTechCare’s current research efforts are structured around two distinct topics: Health Promotion and Care (HPC), encompassing aspects such as Healthy Lifestyle Changes, Sustainable Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Occupational Health, and End-of-Life Care reflecting ciTechCare’s commitment to adapting to contemporary societal demands. Additionally, ciTechCare is dedicated to research activities on Innovation in Clinical Technology (ICT), leveraging biomedical engineering and computational health data management and analysis techniques across a spectrum of domains in healthcare.
A key milestone in our journey has been the creation of the Health Innovation Hub at IPLeiria—a dedicated infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories that reinforce ciTechCare’s position as a prominent healthcare R&D hub in the region. Our ongoing collaborations and forward-thinking initiatives continue to drive impactful and sustainable solutions, fostering the future of healthcare for a healthier tomorrow.
ciTechCare is dedicated to advancing health by developing cutting-edge solutions that enable early diagnosis, improve therapeutic outcomes, and empower patients and caregivers to enhance their quality of life. We invest in excellence, foster a dynamic environment for scientific discovery, and engage with the community to address real-world healthcare challenges, while deepening our commitment to sustainable human development.
To be a leading international hub for interdisciplinary and interprofessional healthcare research recognized for our transformative impact on health technologies and person-centered care. By 2030, our goal is to advance innovative health promotion, support individuals in rehabilitation and end-of-life care, and enhance occupational health practices. We will achieve this through our expanding research team, sustainable research approaches, strong network of national and international partners, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
ciTechCare is committed to making a positive impact in healthcare research and development, driven by a focus on internationalization, sustainability, and the advancement of healthcare skills.
We are committed to creating healthcare solutions that minimize environmental impact, while fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes gender equality, work-life balance, and the well-being of our team. Additionally, we focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure and strengthening our administrative and financial foundations.
Our research is grounded in three core pillars: Sustainable Human Development, Person-Centered Care, and Digital Health. It is structured around two key scientific areas:
We actively collaborate with stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and navigating ethical, legal, and political contexts to drive impactful outcomes. Our partnerships with the Local Health Unit of Leiria Region (ULS-RL), NERLEI – Leiria Business Association and Start-Up Leiria are crucial to advancing our translational research strategy,
ciTechCare is dedicated to advancing education by providing state-of-the-art resources to support Master’s programs in Physiotherapy, Hand Rehabilitation, Palliative Care, and Nutrition Innovation, as well as developing an innovative PhD program in Health Sciences. Through these academic initiatives, we are fostering the future by elevating healthcare skills and cultivating the next generation of leaders and innovators in the field.
ciTechCare’s vision has led to the establishment of a robust collaborative network that includes central hospitals, primary healthcare centers, industry partners across Central Portugal, and international academic institutions. Our diverse partnerships extend to leading universities, research centers worldwide, and international R&D networks, enhancing our global reach. This extensive network, bringing together expertise from both academic and non-academic institutions, accelerates the translation of research into practical applications, addressing real-world healthcare challenges.
