The festival will kick off with keynote addresses from both ministers, shedding light on the event’s central theme and its far-reaching goals. A panel discussion, led by Dr. Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland, will follow. The discussion, titled “Welcoming Act: Why Deploying Prevention and Precision at Scale?” promises to offer deep insights into the evolution of healthcare, focusing on the pivotal roles of prevention and precision medicine.

As a hub for health innovation, the Radical Health Festival Helsinki draws experts, policymakers, and health enthusiasts from all corners of Europe and beyond.

The event is a collaborative effort, with over 20 European entities contributing. Notable partners include the City of Helsinki, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Nightingale Health, and influential organizations such as CHIME, IANPHI, and EHTEL, all committed to making this year’s festival a success.

In a special feature for 2024, the festival will present an exclusive program for international ministerial delegations and select attendees, organized by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

This program offers a unique opportunity to experience Finland’s leading-edge digital health initiatives through site visits and high-level discussions.

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Hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Radical Health Festival Helsinki 2024 features an exclusive full-day program of site visits and high-level conversations for international ministerial delegations and selected participants. The curated program by the ministry provides an excellent view of Finland’s leading digital health landscape and offers a unique opportunity to find inspiration and forge potential partnerships.

Finland excels with its strong digital infrastructure, comprehensive data collection leading to detailed national registers, a fully digital healthcare system, and a trust-based society, contributing to its status as one of the happiest nations in the world. From tax filings to medical prescriptions, everything is seamlessly accessible online, embraced by our population.

Now, Finland wants to showcase its expertise and its ability and desire for collaboration by networking globally with other countries interested in digital health. Finland already has strong partnerships, for example with other European countries and Japan, and the Radical Health Festival Helsinki, along with its side events, will further strengthen these.

The curated program hosted by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health presents an ideal chance to delve into Finland’s forefront in digital health. Invited are high-level delegations from several countries: ministers, senior officials, top university experts, and corporate representatives.

Special attention to National Registries, Secondary Use of Data, and Agetech themes

The session of National Registries will be hosted by Fujitsu Finland, a premier technology partner of Finnish healthcare. Joining are the experts from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and Kanta, a part of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. In the panel discussion, perspectives from both healthcare professionals and patients will be heard on how data registers and ecosystems benefit people in everyday life. Finnish citizens enjoy access to their health records and data through user-friendly online applications and web services.

The Secondary Use of Data session is hosted by Findata, the Finnish health data permit authority, which grants permits for the secondary use of social and health care data and improve data protection for individuals. Findata has extensive experience on the opportunities and challenges the data authorities meet. Findata and Finnish Act on Secondary Use are references for the upcoming European health data regulation EHDS. In the session, speakers include among others Tomohiro Kuroda, Ph.D., Professor, Director, CIO, and Johanna Seppänen, Ph.D., Director of Findata. 

The Agetech session is hosted by Healthtech Finland, the association for Finnish and international health technology companies. The session showcases three innovative agetech companies, featuring a diverse range of Finnish and Japanese expertise in the field. The session will cover the significance of medical care, remote monitoring, data usage, and new technologies in elderly care, along with discussions on agetech adoption tools by the Kati program, professional training, co-development, and piloting with companies in Finland and Japan.

Site visit at HUS Meilahti Bridge Hospital

Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) stands at the forefront of medical research in Europe, providing secondary healthcare for 1.8 million people and overseeing the treatment of rare diseases and organ transplants across Finland. HUS collaborates closely with the University of Helsinki. Meilahti serves as the primary campus, housing facilities such as the new Bridge Hospital, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as hosting startup and collaborative development initiatives.

The ministry’s guests will begin their exploration with an introduction to the Finnish Social and Healthcare System, followed by an in-depth look at HUS’s innovative advancements in data and artificial intelligence, involvement in the co-development program CleverHealth Network, and international projects and collaborations coordinated by HUS. The program also includes a tour of the hospital’s facilities.

For further information about Radical Health Festival Helsinki 2024 and updates on upcoming events, please visit the official website at www.radicalhealthfest.com.

Save the date: Radical Health Festival Helsinki 2024, 21st–23^rd May, at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre (Messukeskus). | www.radicalhealthfest.com

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas wasn’t just about groundbreaking technology for humans, but it also showcased the innovative products revolutionizing how we care for our beloved pets. While providing food and shelter is essential, pets crave mental stimulation and engagement.

A key example is Birdfy’s AI-powered bird feeder. This intelligent feeder goes beyond simply dispensing seeds. It can identify individual bird species, recognize feeding patterns, and even send owners notifications when feathered friends visit.

For more mobile companions, the Pawport smart pet door unlocks a new level of freedom. This device allows pets safe and controlled access to the outdoors using facial recognition or RFID tags.

Several pet tech companies at CES also showcased toys that adapt to a pet’s play style and preferences, keeping them engaged and stimulated even when the owners aren’t around. These intelligent toys can track activity levels, adjust difficulty, and even personalize play sessions based on the pet’s unique personality. CES 2024 showcased advancements in pet care that go beyond just basic needs. New innovations underline the importance of prevention and early detection of health problems. For cats, litter box technology has made significant strides. Automated litter boxes, in fact, can now clean themselves, monitor waste patterns, and notify owners of possible health issues through changes in elimination behavior.

Pet tech companies are also developing personalized food plans and smart feeders that adjust portion sizes based on the pet’s activity level and age. This ensures pets get the right amount of fuel for their lifestyle, promoting optimal health and preventing obesity.

It’s evident that Pet Tech has become an integral part of today’s pet care. The future of pet ownership is not only about meeting basic requirements but about creating a world where our pets flourish physically, mentally, and emotionally, and Pet Tech stands as the vanguard of this transformative journey.

From groundbreaking advancements in telemedicine, to the latest DTx, these events bring together industry leaders, innovators, and health enthusiasts to explore the intersection of digital solutions and healthcare delivery. Whether you’re a professional or simply curious about the future of digital health & healthcare, these events will offer opportunities to learn, network, and be inspired.

Do you know other upcoming events not to be missed? Contact us, we may be interested in joining as a Media Partner!

Can you tell us a bit more about what HSBC Innovation Banking is, and what the organisation is aiming to bring to the health tech space?

HSBC Innovation Banking is a commercial bank that provides flexible banking solutions designed specifically for start-ups, scale-ups, investors. We bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and thanks to our position as part of HSBC, we remain committed to supporting innovation and driving growth in sectors that are shaping our future, including health technology (HealthTech), around the world.

Within the health tech arena, HSBC Innovation Banking aspires to provide holistic financial solutions tailored to the distinctive challenges faced by companies navigating this innovative field. Recognising the nuanced needs of HealthTech enterprises at various stages of development, from inception to maturity, HSBC Innovation Banking endeavors to streamline access to capital, offer customised financing options, and facilitate connections within global networks. This commitment ensures seamless growth opportunities for HealthTech visionaries.

HSBC Innovation Banking has a wide perspective across the innovation economy. What do you think are the key trends or technologies reshaping the health tech space?

The health tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and we at HSBC recognise the key trends and technologies that are reshaping this dynamic sector. AI, Big Data and Analytics will enable the digital transformation of healthcare. By staying abreast of these innovations, we aim to provide unwavering financial support to HealthTech companies propelling positive change in the industry.

Over the past few years, Europe has been “catching up” to the US in terms of activity, if not scale. Do you see that trend continuing?

Maybe. Europe is a region with a diverse economic landscape, comprising advanced economies at the forefront of competitiveness, innovation, and productivity, as well as economies that are still in the process of catching up.

There are a few challenges for the European pre-seed companies, that are related solely to the traction they have in their countries so scaling to the US may prove to be difficult. What makes scaling to the US complicated is the lack of consistent transatlantic investors between US and Europe, which contributes to Europe’s post-Series A chasm.

What’s the reality to work with Pharma?

Drawing from my background in the pharmaceutical industry, I want to shed light on the challenges of navigating procurement processes within large enterprises. It’s crucial to understand that having just one primary source of revenue, especially from pharmaceutical giants, can pose significant risks. The multifaceted nature of how pharmaceutical companies operate, along with the potential challenges in payment dynamics, adds a layer of complexity that necessitates a thoughtful approach.
From a banking standpoint, a healthcare company with fluctuating revenues from a government might be perceived differently than a consumer-focused company with more predictable metrics.

What are the key criteria applying when you evaluate digital health companies?

When evaluating digital health companies for financing, I apply several essential criteria, with one prominent factor being the presence of multiple revenue sources. This criterion plays a crucial role in reducing risk and promoting the development of resilient revenue models.
Diversifying revenue sources is strategically important for digital health companies due to the industry’s ongoing evolution. Understanding diverse several revenue streams and actively mitigating risks through diversification becomes vital for long-term success. Encouraging companies in the digital health space to explore and establish multiple revenue streams not only enhances their appeal for financing but also fosters the growth of robust businesses capable of thriving in a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
When digital health companies  demonstrate at least three distinct revenue sources, HSBC Innovation Banking is likely more able to support these potentially more resilient business models. This criterion may act as a de-risking lever, helping companies fortify their revenue models and build stability in their operations. By encouraging the establishment of multiple revenue streams, we aim to improve the attractiveness and resilience of these companies, enabling them to navigate the evolving landscape of the digital health industry successfully.

What do you think “health” will mean 10 years from now?

In the next 10 years, the concept of health will undergo a transformation, encompassing more than just the absence of disease. While the fundamental definition of health will remain the same, there will be a shift towards a more holistic approach.

I firmly believe that health extends beyond medical diagnoses and treatments. It will be seen as an integral part of everyday life and decision-making processes. To achieve this, we need to work towards an integrated care model where individuals receive information about their health rather than simply providing it. This approach goes beyond the traditional “patient-centric” model and embraces a proactive and participatory approach to overall well-being.

In this future vision of health, individuals will have access to a wealth of information, tools, and technologies that empower them to make informed decisions about their own health. It will involve a collaborative effort between healthcare providers, technology innovators, and individuals, working together to optimise health outcomes.

At the forefront of this evolution is Debiopharm Innovation Fund, a corporate venture fund within the Debiopharm Group. We explore the fund’s mission, recent initiatives, and insights gained at the Frontiers Health conference in Rome, where Nicole Raleigh met with Marc Cikes, Managing Director, and Tom Gibbs, Senior Investment Director.

Digital Solutions for Pharma R&D

Debiopharm Innovation Fund strategically positions itself as a key player in the digital health space, concentrating on digital solutions that span from late discovery to clinical trial technologies. Marc Cikes emphasized the fund’s commitment to innovation, especially in the oncology patient journey. With two compounds currently setting the standard in cancer treatment, Debiopharm leverages its expertise to invest in solutions that redefine the landscape of pharmaceutical research and development.

Seeding Innovation in Challenging Times

Despite economic challenges, Debiopharm Innovation Fund recently launched a seed initiative, a move that raised eyebrows in the investment landscape. Tom Gibbs sheds light on this strategic decision, highlighting the fund’s agility as a privately owned entity. The initiative aims to make numerous small investments rapidly, building a substantial portfolio that encompasses cutting-edge innovations at their early stages.

Strategic Alignment for Accelerated Innovation

As a strategic fund, Debiopharm Innovation Fund aligns its investment thesis closely with its core business objectives. The focus is not only on financial returns but also on investments that bring innovation into the Debiopharm Group. Tom Gibbs underscores the importance of accelerating the delivery of better treatments to patients, emphasizing the fund’s unique role in bridging traditional pharmaceutical approaches with the dynamic landscape of digital health.

Frontiers Health Conference Insights: Maturity and Realism in Digital Health Startups

The Frontiers Health conference, a prominent gathering in the digital health realm, provided a platform for Debiopharm Innovation Fund to observe and engage with the latest trends. Cikes notes a significant trend in the increased maturity of startups. Unlike in the early days, startups are now more pragmatic, considering regulatory, reimbursement, and adoption challenges early in their development. This realistic approach positions them for long-term success in an industry known for its complexity and conservatism.

Gibbs echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the impressive realism exhibited by startups, particularly on themes like artificial intelligence. The showcased products demonstrate a better fit with the actual conditions of the pharma and healthcare industry.

The Exciting Trajectory of Digital Health Innovation

The digital health ecosystem is maturing, and both Marc Cikes and Tom Gibbs express excitement about its current state and future trajectory. The commitment of startups to meaningful impact and their adaptability to industry conditions, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, indicate a promising future for digital health innovation.

Conclusion

In a landscape where the convergence of pharmaceuticals and digital innovation is paramount, Debiopharm Innovation Fund stands out as a catalyst for change. By strategically investing in digital solutions and aligning with its core business objectives, the fund contributes significantly to the ongoing transformation of the pharmaceutical industry. As healthcare continues its digital evolution, Debiopharm Innovation Fund’s role becomes increasingly vital, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation to drive positive outcomes for patients worldwide.

Against the backdrop of a rainy day in Rome, they follow his plenary keynote “Dosis sola facit venenum ‘only the dose makes the poison’” delving into how the dosage of medicine not only impacts healing but also influences toxicity.

They discussed the need for a paradigm shift, where technology and data are combined to refine and optimize medications.

At the intersection of technology and healthcare. With limited time for physicians and varying degrees of patient engagement, Yadi envisions a solution for the democratization of care through technology.

The combination of drugs and software holds immense potential. By translating the intricate interplay between patients and physicians into scalable software, accessible through patient-facing apps, the goal is to align technology with drug regimens. This alignment aims to enhance therapeutic efficacy for each individual, fostering a more tailored and effective healthcare experience.

A forward-looking perspective. Yadi envisions a future where collective efforts within the industry could crack the code of the existing business model.

This interview encapsulates an exploration of the current challenges and future possibilities within the realm of digital health.

Hakim Yadi’s insights provide a compelling narrative regarding the need for a personalized approach to medication and the transformative role technology can play in reshaping the future of healthcare.

Frontiers Health has established itself as a pivotal platform for exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology, driving discussions on groundbreaking advancements, trends, and challenges in the digital health landscape.

This year’s conference will provide a dynamic hybrid experience with physical and virtual interactions, building on the success of the 2022 event in terms of attendance and engagement.

The prestigious Auditorium della Tecnica in Rome, Italy will provide the perfect backdrop for the convergence of global thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders that are shaping the diverse digital health landscape.

Frontiers Health has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the digital health community and our media partnership amplifies the platform’s ability to disseminate cutting-edge insights, trends, and discussions in the rapidly evolving field of digital health.

The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive coverage and deep insights into the conference’s sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. With our expertise and reach, a broader audience will have the opportunity to engage with the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and critical conversations surrounding digital health technologies, patient care, telemedicine, AI in healthcare, and much more.

Stay tuned for further announcements, speaker reveals, and session updates as Frontiers Health 2023 approaches. For more information and registration details, visit the Frontiers Health website.

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The iconic Start-Up Discovery segment of the conference is designed and structured to give visibility to emerging start-ups with established and scalable solutions, offer an opportunity to connect with companies, investors and stakeholders from the international digital health ecosystem.

Why send your application?

Frontiers Health has demonstrated over the past seven editions that start-ups are a key catalyst for the development of a better healthcare experience. Precisely for this reason, their collaboration with key players in the digital health ecosystem can have an even more significant impact. In addition, there is the opportunity to present a start-up during Start-up Discovery sessions in front of representatives of leading investment funds and digital health experts. Start-ups will also benefit from participating in events and competitions organised by leading pharmaceutical companies during the conference.

The call, open until September 6^th, is open to Seed to Series B start-ups with innovative solutions in the health sector.

As always, participation in Start-up Discovery is free of charge and this year all applicants will receive a free pass to attend the conference and an exclusive discount on additional passes.

How to apply

To streamline the application process, Frontiers Health has partnered with Accelerace, one of the leading investors in the Nordic countries. Through this partnership, Accelerace has made its highly intuitive application platform available for the Frontiers Health team.

Be sure to submit your application for a chance to present your company to over 100 investors and players in the digital health sector!

You have until September 6^th to submit your free application by clicking here.

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Steering Committee

This success was made possible thanks to the significant contribution of the Steering Committee, composed of key players in the digital innovation in healthcare. The Steering Committee will bring its experience and expertise to make Frontiers Health 2023 an even more remarkable event than previous editions.

From 8 to 10 November, Rome will become the stage for innovation, bringing together brilliant minds and revolutionary ideas.

Roberto Ascione, CEO and Founder of Healthware Group, will lead the Steering Committee for the eighth consecutive year as Conference Chair. We will also meet other leading figures in Digital Health such as Eugene Borukhovich, CEO and COO of YourCoach.Health; Megan Coder, Chief Policy Officer of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance; Jessica DaMassa, Executive Producer & Host for WTF Health; Fredrik Debong, Co-Founder and CPO of hi.health; Tony Estrella, Managing Director of Taliossa; Monique Levy, Chief Business Officer of Woebot Health; Min-Sung Sean Kim, Managing Partner of Digital Health Ventures (DHV); Marc Sluijs, Managing Partner of digitalhealth.network; and Paul Tunnah, Chief Content Officer and Managing Director of Healthware International.

Frontiers Health 2023’s Steering Committee defines the general themes of the conference program and brings well-known international experiences. Frontiers Health is not only an event for sharing innovative content, but also a platform for establishing relationships in the vast ecosystem of digital health. Frontiers Health has created over the years a network of experts and professionals who share the passion for innovation in healthcare and the search for sustainable solutions for human health’s future.

FH23 Ambassadors

The FH23 Ambassadors are enthusiastic professionals passionate about Digital Health. They spread the message of innovation and promote the conference program. This group of professionals shares the common goal of improving healthcare through digital innovation.

Frontiers Health 2023 is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, create new connections and discover the latest trends and innovations in digital health.

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