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  • Lloyd Price

Basel Healthtech Conference 2024: Key Takeaways




Exec Summary:


While the Basel Healthtech Conference 2024 wrapped up on January 26th, the buzz around its key talking points continues. Here's a breakdown of some of the most prominent themes that emerged:


1. AI-powered breakthroughs:


  • Drug discovery at scale: Harnessing AI for faster, more efficient drug discovery dominated discussions. Sessions like "AI Unleashed: Turbocharging Drug Discovery at Scale" highlighted how AI algorithms are accelerating the identification and development of new therapies.

  • Generalist medical AI: Concerns about overspecialisation in AI applications were addressed with talks on developing "generalist" AI capable of tackling diverse healthcare challenges.


2. Digital therapeutics on the rise:


  • Precision digital therapeutics: This burgeoning field of personalised digital therapies tailored to individual patients was a major focus. Sessions explored how digital tools can be used to treat specific conditions and improve patient outcomes.

  • Expanding digital therapeutics across Europe: Discussions centred on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for wider adoption of digital therapeutics across European healthcare systems.


3. Funding and investment landscape:


  • From seed to buyout: The conference delved into the journey of healthtech investing, covering funding strategies for startups at various stages of growth.

  • Innovative debt financing: Alternative funding models like debt financing were presented as potential solutions for healthtech companies seeking non-dilutive capital.


4. Cross-border collaboration:


  • Expanding across Europe: The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between countries to foster innovation and scale digital health solutions across the continent.

  • Bridging healthtech across the Atlantic: Discussions explored opportunities and challenges for transatlantic collaboration in healthtech, aiming to leverage synergies between European and American innovation ecosystems.


5. The Basel healthtech ecosystem:


  • Unique blend of research, entrepreneurship, and support: The conference showcased the strength of Basel's healthtech ecosystem, highlighting its collaborative environment and robust support infrastructure for startups and innovators.

  • Immerse yourself in the Basel experience: This theme encouraged attendees to explore the wider Basel healthtech community, connecting with key players and forging partnerships.


These are just some of the key talking points that resonated at the Basel Healthtech Conference 2024. It's worth noting that the conference was a vibrant hub for exchanging ideas, forging connections, and envisioning the future of digital health innovation in Europe.


Corporate Development for Healthcare Technology companies in EMEA


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History of the Basel HealthTech Conference


The Basel Healthtech Conference, though still relatively young, has a dynamic history already! Here's a glimpse into its journey:


Early Beginnings (2020-2022):


  • 2020: The inaugural Basel Healthtech Conference took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focused on the theme "Shaping the Future of Healthcare with Digital Innovation" and attracted around 300 attendees.

  • 2021: The conference returned as a hybrid event, welcoming both online and in-person attendees. This year, the theme was "Digital Health: From Hype to Reality," exploring the practical applications and challenges of digital health solutions.

  • 2022: The conference solidified its position as a key event in the European healthtech calendar. With the theme "Building the Future of European Healthcare," it saw over 500 attendees and featured prominent speakers from across the healthcare and technology sectors.


Reaching New Heights (2023-Present):


  • 2023: The conference further expanded its reach, attracting over 700 attendees and featuring a larger exhibition area showcasing cutting-edge healthtech solutions. The theme "Scaling Digital Health Innovation" reflected the growing focus on implementation and scaling successful digital health ventures.

  • 2024 (Just concluded): The most recent edition, held on January 25th and 26th, 2024, focused on "Scaling Digital Health Innovation in Europe." It saw over 800 attendees, a record number for the conference, and highlighted the potential of digital health to transform healthcare systems across Europe.


Key factors contributing to the conference's success:


  • Strong focus on innovation and real-world solutions: The conference consistently attracts industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, fostering a dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

  • Emphasis on the European healthtech landscape: The conference provides a platform for showcasing European innovation and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the region's healthcare systems.

  • Evolving with the times: The conference themes and content adapt to reflect the latest trends and advancements in digital health, ensuring its relevance and continued growth.


The Basel Healthtech Conference has become a prominent event in the European healthtech scene, connecting stakeholders, driving innovation, and shaping the future of healthcare. Its journey so far demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital health and making a positive impact on healthcare systems across the continent.





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