The Innovation Ecosystem Gathering brings together the most active health innovation incubators, accelerators, innovation labs, corporate and independent venture studios that are working towards the advancement of successful solutions in the health space globally.  

After the success of the inaugural 2023 session, the Innovation Ecosystem Gathering returns with a new edition. This innovative format, created by Frontiers Health, has established a truly unique forum. This initiative aims to provide an excellent opportunity for key health innovation facilitators and promising entrepreneurs from Europe and around the world to share their insights and learnings on common challenges, experiences, trends, and perspectives.

This session is moderated by Kristin Milburn, SVP, Marketing Ecosystem & Strategy at EVERSANA, and Luigi Pavia, Ecosystem engagement & Partnerships at Frontiers Health.
 

2:00pm | Healthusiasm - why healthcare innovation must catch up with the world around us [Talk] by Christophe Jauquet, Author & Professional Keynote Speaker 

While the world changes at an increasing rate, healthcare loses touch with what is essential for patients. Innovating in healthcare must stop focusing only on medical needs. We should focus more on providing experiences that people expect to help them aspire to vital things in their lives. This shift might even mean letting go of today's healthcare services. 

2:15pm | Digital Health in Europe 2024: Unlocking New Growth Amidst a Funding Transformation [Talk] by Julien de Salaberry, CEO and Founder, Galen Growth

The keynote will explore the evolving dynamics of digital health innovation across Europe, focusing on the latest investment trends, therapeutic areas gaining traction, and the role of partnerships in a challenging funding environment. Highlighting a 2024 resurgence in global digital health funding, the presentation will contrast Europe’s mixed performance, including areas of growth such as Women’s Health and AI-driven ventures, with regions like North America.

2:30pm | The Red Thread – The importance of the consumer experience  [Fireside Chat] with Audrey Tsang, Startup Advisor, Former CEO of Clue, and Kristin Milburn, SVP, Marketing Ecosystem & Strategy at EVERSANA

2:40pm | The Voice of the Entrepreneurs: Thriving in the Health Innovation Ecosystem [Panel Discussion]

Hear from the founders directly about their experiences in accelerators, health innovation incubators, corporate venture studios and the like. How have these programs influenced their start-up journeys? Hear them as they discuss their challenges and successes in this dynamic panel discussion. 

Moderator: Fredrik Debong - CCO, GP, onetwenty.ai, 1921.vc

Panelists:

• Mattia Marco Caruson - CEO, mama health
• Sebastian Gruber - CEO and Co-Founder, hi.health
• Friedrich Lämmel - CEO, Thryve

3:00pm | Key Innovation Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare [Talk] by Gary Monk - Thought Leader and Expert Moderator, Gary Monk Digital Consulting

Explore the most impactful trends in health innovation, from digital therapeutics to AI-driven solutions. This talk will highlight how these trends are transforming healthcare and intersecting to create meaningful patient and HCP-centred advancements

3:15pm | Catalyzing Health Innovation: WHO/ Europe's Strategy for Transforming Public Health in the Region [Talk] by Moredreck Chibi - Public Health Innovation Lead, World Health Organization | Regional Office for Europe

Dr. Moredreck Chibi, Regional Innovation Lead at WHO Europe, will present the organization's groundbreaking strategy for harnessing innovation to address critical public health challenges in the Region. This talk will explore how the organisation is working to create an integrated innovation ecosystem that brings together diverse stakeholders to drive impactful, equitable, and sustainable health solutions. Dr. Chibi will highlight key priorities, including fostering cross-sector collaboration, building country capacities, and leveraging emerging technologies to improve health outcomes across the region.

3:30pm | Corporate innovation models [Panel]

Leading corporates will share their innovation models, showcasing strategies to foster creativity and drive growth. Engage in an insightful discussion to explore these diverse approaches and gain valuable perspectives on corporate innovation. 

Moderator: Eugene Borukhovich - COO & Co-Founder, YourCoach Health

 Panelists: 

• Fabrizio Conicella - Vice-president Center of Open Innovation & Competence, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA
• Cristina Durán - President, Evinova
• Anna-Maria Heidinger - Head of DSPACE, Daiichi Sankyo Europe
• Felix Lambrecht - Executive Board Member, MEDICE The Health Family
• Dan Ma - Head of Innovation & New Commercial Partnerships, Sandoz Germany
• Guy Spigelman - EMEA Lead Healthcare and Life Sciences Startups, AWS

 4:05pm | Strategies for Successful Homecare Implementation in the EU [Joint Talk] 

Europe is experiencing a demographic shift towards an ageing population, increasing the demand for innovative homecare solutions. The ACE project is leading efforts in the North Sea region to enhance home care, with insights applicable across the EU. Delve into strategies for successful homecare implementation based on data from various stakeholders. 

• David Chadima - Innovation Consultant | Healthcare, Bax
• Annouck De Cat  - Panel manager LiCalab-Thomas More

4:20pm | Open and Collaborative Innovation: Public Initiatives Driving Change  [Panel]

Explore how public initiatives at both the European and country levels are fostering open and collaborative innovation. Hear from experts about successful programs and strategies that support innovation across sectors, driving growth and creating a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration. 

Moderator: Susanne Gruber - Strategic Advisor, Ignited Vision

 Panelists: 

• Paolo Borella - Vice President, Health Innovation, EVERSANA | Managing Partner & Head of Program, VITA Accelerator
• Yacine Hadjiat - Innovation in Health Science & Digital Health, Dubai Health
• Elena Lopez - Project Manager, Ticbiomed - HealthChain, Coordinator
• Ferenc Pongrácz - Deputy Managing Director, EIT Health InnoStars

4:50pm | Transforming Healthcare: The Convergence of Self-Care and MedTech Innovations [Talk] by Alex Diaconu - Visionary Thinker | Co-Founder & CEO, AiGIA Health

During the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, the aging population was recognized as the second greatest challenge humanity faces, after climate change. Unfortunately, the current healthcare system cannot effectively address this issue without a fundamental transformation of its existing paradigm, requiring the convergence of incremental MedTech innovations and a transformational rethinking of how prevention is implemented through self-care.

5:05pm | Accelerators and Incubators: Catalysts for Startup Growth and Innovation  [Panel]

Discover the transformative impact of accelerators and incubators in nurturing innovative startups. Industry leaders will share their cutting-edge innovation strategy models and firsthand experiences in supporting companies through their growth journeys. Engage in insightful discussions on driving growth and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.  

Moderator: Denise Silber - CEO, Basil Strategies / VRForHealth

 Panelists: 

• Christian Bjelland - Managing Director, Redesign Health
• Blagovesta Dlagatseva - Business Development Lead, Tech Tour
• Marc Filerman - Managing Partner, Life Sciences, Start2 Group
• Farina  Schurzfeld - Founder & Managing Partner, AndRobin
• Alexander Whyte - Principal, Flying Health

 5:35pm |  Closing