In late September, representatives from the 13 DIGIVITALITY project partners gathered in Ljubljana to reflect on their progress, share insights, and map out the next steps. This meeting created an ideal space to exchange experiences on how digital innovations are reshaping healthcare systems across various countries and integrating into public health frameworks.
The DIGIVITALITY project is a comprehensive program that blends business mentoring—including webinars and workshops—with clinical feasibility validation in hospitals. Currently, eight startups are participating in a multidimensional validation process that supports their technological development and market entry. Medical and business validations, conducted in partner hospitals, ensure that these digital health solutions meet both clinical and market needs, equipping startups with essential data to refine their products for real-world healthcare applications.
One of the core components of the programme is Early Health Technology Assessment (eHTA). This tool helps startups to assess the economic and clinical value of their health technologies at the early development stages. eHTA provides strategic information essential for making informed investment decisions, establishing pricing strategies, and accessing the market. It also helps startups effectively communicate their pricing models and value propositions when seeking public or private funding, or when applying for reimbursement. The eHTA process involves economic modelling to assess cost-effectiveness, engagement with key stakeholders, and strategic advice on business models and market entry.
The program has entered a key phase, with medical validation starting in September and currently testing the technologies of participating startups in partner hospitals. The aim is to ensure the clinical viability of these digital health solutions. Startups are receiving real-world data on the performance of their technologies as well as feedback from healthcare professionals, which is crucial for optimizing their products for clinical use.
In addition to medical validation, DIGIVITALITY offers a range of webinars, workshops, and business mentoring opportunities. Key topics include go-to-market strategies, sales, product development, data protection, and cybersecurity. Each month, startups can access new webinars, 1:1 mentoring, and additional support. The first session focused on Go-to-Market Strategy, was led by Henrik Ibsen, CEO of e-HealthBrains. This session covered essential aspects for startups looking to scale their digital health innovations, including medical device considerations, regulatory frameworks, business model innovation, and international pricing strategies. Participants also discussed the complexities of the German DiGA scheme, pricing mechanisms for international expansion, and the differences between direct sales and distributor partnerships.
In summary, DIGIVITALITY is making significant progress in supporting digital health startups through a robust combination of business mentoring, medical validation, and strategic insights. With eight startups currently undergoing validation and benefiting from the tailored eHTA process, the program is paving the way for innovative solutions to enter the healthcare market.