The European Cardiovascular Research Institute (ECRI) was founded in 2012 as a European collaborative effort to perform investigator-initiated studies in the field of cardiology. ECRI provides a structure facilitating the design and conduct of clinical trials without the intention of making profit, yet according to ICH and GCP guidelines, and regulatory standards. This unique initiative between thought leaders in the field of cardiology and Cardialysis, with its expertise in the field, creates an opportunity for multicenter, multinational investigator-initiated studies. Several multicenter randomized clinical trials with ECRI as trial “sponsor” are currently being conducted by means of scientific grants form leading industries.