Digital Health’s Next Frontier Is in Berlin
No one will argue that the digital health ecosystem is blowing up. Based on StartUp Health’s quarterly Insights report, 2018 Q3 was the most lucrative quarter yet for the industry as funding broke double digits to hit $11.1 billion. Thankfully, there are a handful of moments each year where digital health heavyweights and newcomers alike can gather to observe the rising tide, and take stock of changes on the horizon. The annual StartUp Health Festival is one of those moments. Another is Europe’s Frontiers Health.
Frontiers Health has fast become one of the premiere conferences in the digital health space. This year, Berlin hosts the conference. The German capital is home to a vibrant culture with roots in a tangible history that is still visible in remnants of the past, like Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) or Checkpoint Charlie. With its inherent dualities of grit and glamour, past and future, reflection and impulse, Berlin is an uncannily perfect setting to talk about the state of digital health.
The two-day event combines an exceptional mix of attendees and presenters from investment funds, life science companies, health innovation hubs, insurance companies, and digital health startups. It is a unique platform to discuss how innovations in these fields are converging to re-invent and transform healthcare.
“This is a very exciting time to be working in digital health, and this year’s conference will reflect the absolute best the industry has to offer,” says Roberto Ascione, CEO of Healthware Group and Frontiers Health Chairman. “It’s a global event, with participants coming from Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.”
This year, the conference will take place in Berlin on November 15–16 at the historic Funkhaus. Frontiers Health is partnering with global players like StartUp Health to host thought-provoking breakout sessions.
“We are proud to belong to a community of passionate professionals and partners. We can’t do what we do without their active contribution and experience,” Ascione says.
Whether you attend #FH18 in person, or catch the synthesized versions of the sessions on the web following the conference, StartUp Health has put together a quick guide for how to get the most out of this vibrant event.
Sharpen Up
Get the knowledge you need to stay sharp. Frontier Health is where you go in Europe for a download of information about the processes and resources that can be adopted to usher in the digital transformation of healthcare. This year, you can expect a focus on digital therapies, breakthrough technologies like AI and blockchain and their impact on healthcare, business model transformation, leadership and change management, investments and ecosystem development. Go into #FH18 ready for practical discussions, in-depth analysis and experiential learning in master classes and workshops.
Here’s where you can catch StartUp Health’s global army of Health Transformers:
- November 15 | 4–6 PM StartUp Health Showcase featuring pitches from these Health Transformers: Marina Borukhovich (YourCoach), Jordi Cabot (Medtep), Mark Campbell (Pocket Anatomy), Josep Carbo (Mediktor), Leon Eisen (Oxitone Medical), Fredrik Gustafsson (Joint Academy), Miguel Johns (KingFit), Yishai Knobel (Helparound), Jussi Maatta (Buddy Healthcare), Janne Pylväs (Myontec), Susan Bratton (Savor Health), Naheed Kurji (Cyclica)
- November 15 | 12:15 PM Panel discussion “Digital Health for the Developing World” with Unity Stoakes, President & Co-Founder of SUH
Focus on Outcomes
Frontiers Health’s Start-up Discovery sessions allow both mature and early-stage companies to present on the main stage and field questions by a panel of leading experts and top investors looking for solutions to transform healthcare. These discovery events are intended to yield outcome-based one-on-one meetings with some of Europe’s top VCs. Frontiers Health has recruited a dedicated selection committee to evaluate the best applications based on scalability, market opportunity, product and technology merit, as well as market validation.
Their advice for companies selected to present at Start-up Discovery?
“Funding is important. But in order to grow successfully, so is having the right partners to execute a well-defined strategy. Frontiers Health 2018 represents a precious opportunity to meet and engage with a variety of potential new partners, from pharma to insurance. So pitch accordingly, and take advantage of every occasion for networking,” Ascione says.
Recharge Your Batteries
Each day will be packed with globally-recognized keynote speakers delivering interactive talks that aim to inspire commitment and networking. They’ll challenge thinking and empower awareness about the potential for digital disruption in healthcare.
A few of #FH18 highlights include:
- Andrew Thompson, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Proteus Digital Health will deliver the opening address;
- Roberto Ascione, Conference Chairman and CEO at Healthware Group, will give this year’s edition of the “Digital Health State of the Nation” keynote; and
- BAYER G4A, will present their 2018 Accelerator cohort start-ups.
Not to mention, the setting of #FH18 is intentionally inspiring. Previously the headquarters of the German Democratic Republic’s state radio on the banks of River Spree, Funkhaus is the world’s largest sound recording studio, making it the ideal setting to pump up the volume on health moonshots.
Hope to see you in Berlin.
Register for #FH18 and get an exclusive 25% discount with code FH20STH.
