Team
Philipp Lurz – Interventional cardiology
Claudio Capelli, UCL, London – Engineering
Vivek Muthurangu, UCL, London – CMR Imaging & AI
Andrew Taylor, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London – CMR imaging, Innovation management
Gianfranco Butera, Bambino Gesù, Rome – Interventional cardiology
Petra Mela, Technical University of Munich, Tissue Engineering
Alessia Callegari, University Children’s Hospital Zurich – Interventional cardiology
Judyta Szeliga, University Children's Hospital of Cracow – Interventional cardiology
Organizers
Silvia Schievano, UCL, London – Engineering
Francesca Raimondi, Congenital Cardiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII - Bergamo
Philipp Bonhoeffer, Science & Music Montecastelli
Ruth Heying, Pediatric Cardiology KU Leuven - AEPC Educational Committee
Ornella Milanesi, University of Padova-Pediatric Cardiologist - AEPC Educational Committee
Masterclass of Innovation
Organised by the AEPC Educational Committee
October, 1st - 4th, 2026
Montecastelli, Tuscany, Italy
The art of innovation,
flavored by Tuscan tradition
Innovation is not reserved for a select few − it can and should emerge from everyday clinical practice. This masterclass offers a multidisciplinary exploration of innovation within congenital and paediatric cardiology. Participants will examine how ideas evolve from concept to clinical implementation, addressing both the creative process and the practical challenges of bringing innovation into routine care. Set within a unique and immersive learning environment that fosters collaboration and reflection, the course provides fertile ground for lateral thinking and the development of original approaches, through mentorship, collaborative discussion, and a focus on real-world application. Designed to inspire without intimidation, this immersive experience encourages clinicians to recognise opportunities for innovation in their own practice and to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing evolution of paediatric cardiac care.
Topics:
From ideas to impact: the innovation journey
· Discovery & Breakthrough Creation
· Proof-of-concept
· Turning Ideas into Tangible Solutions
· Product Development
· Navigating Evidence & Compliance
· Industry collaboration
· Launching & Scaling in the Real World
Human-skills for innovation
· Stimulating creativity
· Building and leading high-performance teams
Innovation in action: case studies:
· Creation of a new medical device
· Software as medical device (SaMD)
· Participants may bring their own ideas/projects
Immersive hands-on innovation experiences
Networking and social activities…
Important dates:
Registration opens: 1st January 2026
Deadlines: 31st May 2026 early bird; 31st July 2026 final
Fees (inclusive of full boarding):
€700 (€600 early bird) shared room; €50 discount for AEPC members
Target participants:
Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and biomedical engineers.
First come, first served, up to 25 participants
