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.

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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Frontiers Health 2023 will last three days, one longer than the last edition. Participants will have more time to share information and knowledge. They will also have the opportunity to attend a large number of side events, organised in collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

This year, on November 9, there will also be the Italian Summit – a forum open to all the main actors in Italian life science – which for the first time will take place in the framework of the Global Conference.

During the Summit all the main actors will be able to discuss how digital innovation has become a determining factor for the progress of the Italian life science industry and how it has outlined useful paths to accelerate innovation in healthcare, thus further promoting the digitalization of the Italian Health Service.

As a Media Partner of the event we offer you a 20% discount to get your pass!

Frontiers Health 2023 will take place a few kilometres from the centre of Rome, in the EUR district, the economic and business heart of the city. Frontiers Health is moving to Italy’s capital after being hosted for two years in Milan, the strategic hub of the Italian economy. Rome is an innovative centre that fosters collaboration between universities, institutes, and health accelerators.

A crucial part of the conference’s mission is to bring together the different players in the innovation ecosystem, and this will also be facilitated by this year’s venue: Confindustria’s Auditorium della Tecnica (the largest association in Italy that represents manufacturing and service companies).

‘Architecture within Architecture’

The Auditorium was designed by architect Pier Luigi Spadolini. Its renovation was conceived to perfectly match the original building by architect Edoardo Monaco. It is for that reason that the Auditorium has earned the title ‘Architecture within Architecture’.

The design of this location combines modern structures, technology, and functional elements. The latest renovation has amplified this remarkable architectural heritage by creating a continuous flow of design elements.  This will create an immersive experience through multifunctional spaces.

This location will foster innovative ideas and be the perfect place to develop cutting-edge strategies aimed at life sciences advancement. The magic of the conference venue can be felt at the foyer entrance, with its sinuous geometries symbolising the ideal combination of versatility and luminosity.

The plenary sessions of Frontiers Health 2023 will be held in a space that combines innovation and elegance in which it will welcome the main international leaders in the field of digital health.

The Congress Centre will dedicate space to numerous initiatives, working sessions and networking activities tailored to the needs and objectives of the more than 1,000 expected guests.

The Auditorium della Tecnica is connected to Rome’s Termini station and Fiumicino airport via metro lines and motorways. It is an ideal and quiet place to enjoy the global conference.

More information on the Frontiers Health conference can be found on the website.

Get your FH23 pass by using our exclusive promo code FH23DHB20!

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Thanks to the support of Healthware Group as global co-host and main sponsor, and to the conference chairman, Roberto Ascione, Frontiers Health is recognised as one of the leading global health innovation events and has become the epicentre of the digital health ecosystem.

The conference agenda, in its second year as a hybrid physical-virtual experience, will feature partnership opportunities to run custom breakout sessions, corporate events, keynote speakers, discussion panels, plenary sessions, challenges, breakout sessions and more.

Themes

This year’s conference will explore topics inspired by healthcare, including:

Digital Therapeutics
Patent protections, regulatory developments, reimbursement strategies, data protection, open-sourcing healthcare

Digital Transformation
R&D transformation, health insurance trends, consumerization of healthcare, mjedical on-demand models, the connected patient

Telehealth
Patient centricity, remote monitoring, beyond episodic care, mental telehealth, big data & AI

Funding & Scaling
SPAC strategies, digital health IPOs, investments

Tickets

Take advantage of the Early Bird discount to get your ticket – digital or in-person – to attend the most important global event dedicated to digital health innovation!

Buy your pass to keep up to date with the global conference

Salerno, Italy, 12.11.2020 – Frontiers Health 2020 – co-hosted by Healthware Group – convenes today November 12^th, bringing together the brightest digital health experts from all sides of the innovation ecosystem to discuss the most relevant aspects of healthcare innovation.

A unique hybrid conference combining online global streaming from the Healthware Life Hub in Salerno, Italy, with local connected physical hubs in Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Malta, US and Asia providing a complete overview of the world’s digital health landscape.

As health innovators we are up to a huge task. Transforming healthcare. This has never been truer and more needed. We need to hold strong through these uncertain times as much as everyone else, but we hold a greater responsibility. As innovators we carry the torch of science and technology and thanks to the ingenuity of the start-up founders and the researchers, we’ve always been the driving force of any remarkable progress. – comments the Conference Chairman Roberto Ascione, CEO of Healthware Group.

The rich agenda of Frontiers Health offers keynotes by CEOs of start-ups that have scaled globally, panels with leaders from the life-sciences industry, investors and policy makers, plenty of masterclasses and workshops promoting peer learning and sharing of successful best practices.

The conference will also include a series of digital health startup presentations (Startup Discoveries) and provide unlimited online networking possibilities for all the participants.

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About Frontiers Health
It is a spin-off event of Frontiers Conferences, which designs and produces international conferences about technology and innovation since 2005. Frontiers Health is one of the leading conferences in the digital health space, combining a unique mix of attendees from life science companies, health innovation hubs, insurance companies, investment funds and start-ups, providing for a unique platform to discuss how innovations in their respective fields are converging to transform healthcare. Frontiers Health is chaired by global digital health expert Roberto Ascione, CEO of Healthware Group, event co-host.

Yes, you read it right.

Frontiers Health is changing format, combining online and offline events and different activities in Italy, Germany, Finland, Spain, USA and many other locations.

Join us on the 12^th and 13^th of November

The Frontiers Health Global conference will go live in a new hybrid and engaging format, which has already proven effective with the Frontiers Health Live event held in May.
In fact, 7 hours of live coverage reached over 20,000 users worldwide.

The local hubs will host the iconic breakouts and plenary sessions. So attendees from all over the world will enjoy the pure Frontiers Health conference spirit, on line and also offline.

In fact, they could take advantage of the “silent conference” experience, designed for off line attendees.

Don’t miss the Start-up Discovery and the networking opportunities in dedicated virtual rooms.

Get your ticket now

Reflections, ideas and analysis of what happened at the Frontiers Health 2019 conference have been collected in the booklet Stories from Frontiers Health, realized by Frontiers Health  in collaboration with Healthware Group.

Get your copy of Stories From Frontiers Health here

Our editorial staff has always been a media partner of Frontiers Health, the global conference on digital health, which every year in Berlin involves over 600 participants to discuss on digital therapies, innovative technologies, health transformation, investments and ecosystem development.

The booklet, available here, collects the contributions of those who experienced the conference personally, both as speakers and as participants, giving a snapshot of the main topics discussed and the ecosystem of innovators that make this conference a unique platform of experience and knowledge in the panorama of health innovation.

Sharing experience and knowledge to foster new ideas

The Frontiers Health team has created and promoted this editorial collection with the aim of fostering a worthwhile sharing of health knowledge and innovation, since the Coronavirus emergency is bringing to light the need to adopt health and digital technologies to respond strategically to the needs of doctors, patients and all of us.

We are sure that this booklet will allow you to know or relive the experience of Frontiers Health and to understand the digital transformation of the health world, as it is proving to be of extreme importance during the current health emergency.

Germany position as the forerunner became official on November 7^th, 2019, when its Parliament passed the Digital Health Service Act (Versorgung-Gesetz – DVG) aimed at encouraging the use of digital health applications for patients, and providing for a reimbursement mechanisms set out in the Fifth Social Security Code.

According to official projections, as of 2020 more than 73 million Germans will be eligible and for health costs reimbursed by the public health system, and now this also covers digital apps for therapeutic purposes.

90% of the German population is covered by public health insurance, while the remainder relies on private packages that, most likely, will also fall in-line to provide the same levels of coverage for digital health solutions.
This ambitious process was started by German Government Health Minister Jens Spahn, in close collaboration with the Health Innovation Hub (HIH), a task force mandated to “rethink health” from a digital perspective. That effort was led by Dr. Henrik Matthies, who has a strong entrepreneurial background in the field of health.

Which solutions will be eligible for reimbursement?

According to the new regulation, coverage will be extended to digital health solutions similar to low risk class medical devices (class I or IIa) with functionalities mainly based on digital technologies (apps or software solutions). To be eligible for reimbursement, the solution must be used for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases or to improve the quality of treatment.

Entrepreneurs can submit applications for their digital health solutions for pre-approval and through a fast-track process. This opens the door to a 12 months in-market trial period for those solutions, during which time they will be subject to thorough testing and data collection of their efficacy.

What providers must guarantee?

Not only must safety, functionality, quality and adherence to data protection rules be demonstrated, but the manufacturer must also provide reasonable reasons (scientific evidence is not yet required at this stage) for the contribution that the product will make in terms of improving the process of patient care, quality of life and ethical and legal protections.

If the solution can prove its effectiveness in the 12 months in-market, the federal body (GKV-Spitzenverband) and the manufacturers of the solution will enter negotiations on the amount of be reimbursed for its continued presence in market.

As Dr. Henrik Matthies said, on the occasion of his deep dive at the conference Frontiers Health 2019, last November 14 in Berlin, it will take about three months to decide on the application for the inclusion of a “dam” (digital application) in the health system, so entrepreneurs involved can see the first applications accepted in the system towards the second quarter of 2020. As Matthies also pointed out, the German government has allocated a budget of 200 million euros for 2020 which will provide the pool of funds available for the first wave of digital solutions approved in the health system.

Conclusions

The regulatory framework is in its early stages and aims to be improved. Also important to note that the reimbursement only covers Class I and IIa software medical devices, while non-medical devices or digital apps combined with other medical devices are not covered by the regulation. In addition, the requirements for entering the dedicated register are very stringent. The new regulations are also testimony to a clear ambition for Germany to have political leadership (Germany’s health system being the largest in Europe) and commercial leadership, with it also being the largest healthcare market after the United States. The German government intends to play this role to the fullest extent, making the most of their Presidency of the European Semester, July-December 2020, which also opens the door for Germany to propose and launch an initiative on health data management across all of Europe.

As Germany has taken the initiative to show the way, we can only hope for a spill-over effect on all the other EU countries, and the benefits that EU citizens can gain from this welcome change.

It brings together leading experts from all stakeholder groups, including pharma, investor and start-up communities.

The event delivers unique insights into the future of healthcare and the rapid development of digital health.

To open up these learnings to the industry, Digital Health Global was on site for the two days and providing exclusive live coverage.

You can also view highlights of the event on Twitter using #FH18.

Highlights include:

Day one – Digital health in Asia, deep insight into digital therapeutics and more.

Day two – The state of the digital health nation, strategies for developing digital therapeutics and a look into investment frameworks.

Day one coverage can be found HERE.

Day two coverage can be found HERE.