HLTH Europe 2025: Key takeaways
Don’t miss this year’s recap and highlights from Europe’s largest healthcare innovation event!
DAY 0
This week, HLTH Europe, has brought its energy to Amsterdam, gathering the thinkers, builders, and doers shaping the future of care. Under the theme, “Let’s Grow”, we are presented with not just a headline, but a challenge. How do we create digital health tools that are not only smarter, but more human? How do we make care more connected, without making it more complicated?
One thing is clear: progress in healthcare isn’t just about what we build, it’s about who we build it for and this has been clear on the very first day of the event. Join us as we cover the highlights and hot topics of this summer’s most exciting healthcare event!
Day 0 (what they call the first day) kicked off with several key sessions and a very packed agenda. Let's dive in!
Clinicians in HealthTech
As seen earlier this year at ViVE, the rise of the doctor-entrepreneur is no longer a trend, it’s a shift that's here to stay. Clinicians today have more options than ever when it comes to shaping their careers, especially within healthtech.
That’s why Day 0 of HLTH Europe featured a timely panel: “Clinicians in Healthtech: Career Pathways, Practical Insights & Expert Tips,” . The conversation unpacked a range of career avenues, advisory roles, product management, consulting, investment, tech leadership, and entrepreneurship, focusing on real, actionable strategies for clinicians at every stage of their journey into tech.
Women's Health
Women’s health took center stage again with a standout panel featuring Carmen van Vilsteren (Chair, Topsector Life Sciences & Health), Valentina Milanova (Founder and CEO, Daye), Dr. Zhong Wei Khor (Partner, Medical Consulting Group), and Kasia Pokrop (Co-Founder, 3mbrace Health | Formerly Mamamoon Health). This time, the conversation focused on integrating innovation into existing systems and navigating a real shift in mindset.
At the session titled “Revolutionising Women’s Health: The Power Struggle Between Innovation, Policy, and AI,” one key takeaway stood out: instead of questioning AI’s role in women’s health, we need to focus on building the data infrastructure that makes it safe, ethical, and truly effective. A critical first step toward equity is addressing bias in data. The panel called for regulatory support to encourage responsible data collection, because without that, we can’t close the gender health gap. But with it, we can finally design tools that reflect the real needs and realities of women’s health.
Another big takeaway: Private investment in women’s health continues to fall short. In the UK, just 2% of all funding goes to female-owned businesses, and in the Netherlands, it’s less than 1%, as noted by Carmen van Vilsteren. We still have a long way to go.
Building Resilient Healthcare Systems
Another standout moment was the invitation-only session, “Building Resilient Healthcare Systems: Insights from Health Ministers,” where attendees heard directly from policymakers discussing some of the most pressing challenges in national healthcare. The panel featured Greece’s Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Montenegro’s Health Minister Vojislav Šimun, and Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Douglas Tendai, in a conversation moderated by Aurimas Pečkauskas, former Health Vice-Minister of Lithuania.
From workforce retention and digital infrastructure to geopolitical pressures and long-term system resilience, the discussion offered a rare glimpse into how different governments are building more adaptive, inclusive, and patient-centered systems.
In the context of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where AI enhances human capacity, we were reminded that innovation must serve people first. Technology alone won’t fix healthcare. It’s about access, affordability, trust in the system, and supporting the human workforce that powers it. As societies face rising expectations, geopolitical shifts, and environmental pressures, healthcare transformation is no longer optional; it’s urgent.
What stood out was how differently countries are approaching the challenge. Montenegro is investing directly in its people: doubling CME budgets and salaries to reverse brain drain and bring healthcare workers home. Greece, on the other hand, is moving quickly on digitalization, already seeing measurable outcomes from its national strategy to modernize care delivery.
The message was clear: smart investments, whether in people or in tech, are already delivering real results. But resilience isn’t built overnight. It takes vision, political will, and a system-wide commitment to putting patients at the center.
Startup Innovation and Investment
One of the most dynamic sessions at HLTH Europe spotlighted a diverse group of healthtech startups pitching solutions with real potential to solve challenges that pain us right now. From AI-powered diagnostics and connected devices, to women’s health, pediatric mental health, digital therapeutics, and precision medicine, the panel had it all.
Startups included Oivi, Mode Sensors, Myworkout, Decode Health, Lirio, Conceivio, Cortrium, Fastcare Clinics, knokcare, Little Journey and Peili Vision Oy, among others.
These ventures aren’t just pitching ideas, they’re already building scalable, clinically relevant tools that respond to real-world needs.
According to a recent, Black Book Market Research LLC survey, investors are sharply focused on three core criteria: regulatory readiness (81% of respondents cited certifications like CE mark and GDPR compliance), AI and machine learning integration (present in 94% of top-performing startups), and early signs of financial viability, such as commercial traction or contract-backed growth.
When evaluating startups, investors are looking beyond tech specs. Key indicators include clinical relevance, potential for scale across health systems, strong strategic partnerships, a clear regulatory path, differentiated use of AI, economic sustainability, patient demand, and alignment with broader policy trends such as aging populations and digital transformation.
Day 1
Day 1 was all about ENERGY, in every sense of the word. From early-morning yoga to spontaneous connections in the Games Lounge, day 1 had a promising start with movement, mindfulness, and a fresh take on what a health event can be. The Zen Dome offered a quiet pause between sessions, while friendly competition over board games sparked unexpected conversations.
So what happened in a day with such a vibrant start? Let's get to it!
The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Delivery
As suspected, AI was the talk of the town (once again). This time the focus was put on Ambient AI. The Palace Stage welcomed David Rhew, M.D., Ali Parsa, Saad Chaudhry, Terri Couts, RN-BC MHA and moderator Isabelle Zablit-Schmitz to the panel “All ears: Ambient listening in healthcare”.
Besides the known benefits AI already offers, such as personalization of care, its role in preventive care, and making healthcare delivery more efficient, the panel focused on the advantages of having ambient AI inside doctors' offices. Ambient listening has been gaining quiet momentum over the past months, and it’s now entering a new phase: adoption. The value lies in how it enhances care, not by adding complexity, but by helping clinicians stay present, focused, and more connected to their patients.
“Thinking of AI in terms of IT is the wrong framework. AI is less like software and more like a clinician assistant” - Ali Parsa, founder of Quadrivia AI
And that distinction matters. Having a clinician fully engaged, making eye contact, and not screen-bound builds trust, something healthcare desperately needs more of.
Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer at Google, spoke about AI's growing role as a true member of the care team during the panel discussion "From innovation to impact: The future of AI in hospitals". Together with Heyo K. Kroemer, CEO of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, they shared the real picture of where hospitals are today, and how things might start to shift with tools like AgentAI becoming part of everyday care.
With tools like Milo Health, as shown in the demo “MILO Health: Reinventing clinical data capture: MILO’s Voice & Video-First EDC platform”, data capture through voice and video isn’t just more efficient, it reduces burden on clinicians and keeps patients more engaged.
One takeaway echoed throughout the day: Human touch is not going anywhere; if anything, it's making sure the human part stays front and center.
Enhancing Patient Engagement and Care Models Through Digital Health
We talk a lot about making care smarter, but what does this actually mean? It usually means Data Interoperability. The goal is to provide care that feels “continuous” in every link of the chain. Instead of overwhelming patients with disconnected apps and platforms, we need compliant tech that communicates clearly and integrates well into people’s lives.
AI can help achieve interoperability, as mentioned in the "The implementation dream: Leveraging AI for seamless data matching" panel (that included excellent speakers like Anjali Bhagra, MD, MBA, Prof James Teo, Franck Le Ouay, Aaron Miri, DHA, FCHIME, CHCIO, and moderator Nora Sagel) and in the "Data interoperability in the age of AI: Transforming healthcare connectivity" panel (Dr Anke Diehl, Anne Forsyth, Stefan P. Höcherl, Shez Partovi and moderator Bertram Weiss).
Ultimately, interoperability is only possible when wearables and preventive care are integrated with the rest of the healthcare system. From earrings to bras, nano-thin fabrics to Brain-Computer Interfaces, the wearable sector's growth is exponential, expected to reach €120 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 13.8% from 2021 to 2028.
In this sense, Tom Hale, CEO of ŌURA emphasized the role of RPMs and hybrid care. Hybrid care involves combining traditional clinic visits with data from remote patient monitoring (RPM) tools, providing patients with more insight and control over their health management. By tracking things like heart rate, glucose levels, or sleep at home, RPM supports both prevention and early identification of potential issues, helping care teams respond sooner and more effectively.
True continuity of care means that each part of the system -whether it’s an in-person visit, a pharmacy, or a health app- works together, not in isolation. Patients shouldn’t have to manage disconnected tools or re-explain their health story at every step.
That’s why the rise of Amazon Pharmacy in the U.S. sparked so much interest at the event. Hannah McClellan Richards, Vice President of Operations for Amazon Pharmacy took the main stage and shared how she is focused on transforming the pharmacy experience, making medication access and delivery faster, smoother, and less stressful for customers in the US.
The idea of similar models entering Europe raised important questions: Can this kind of integrated, affordable approach be adapted to diverse healthcare systems? And if so, when?
As the conversation moves forward, it’s clear that smarter care relies on technology and the design of systems focused on simplicity, connectivity, and ease of navigation for everyone.
Addressing the Challenges and Ensuring Responsible Implementation of Health Technologies
When we talk about AI and data management to enhance care, we can't forget to address its ethical nuances. As new technologies become part of healthcare, addressing challenges around governance, ethics, data management, and integration is essential.
Speakers throughout the day reached common ground: successful AI implementation depends on clear governance that involves users from the start, fitting tools into existing workflows, and setting clear, measurable standards for safety and performance. GDPR and data governance were central to the conversation, with a shared understanding that trust depends on both transparency and accountability.
Day 1 went by in the blink of an eye! What stood out most throughout the event today was the shared commitment to building a future for a more connected, thoughtful, and human care.
DAY 2
Sunshine, smooth conversations, and ice cream. Day 2 in Amsterdam had it all. The event today delivered more than just insights. With the weather hitting that perfect balance of warm and breezy, the atmosphere outside mirrored the energy inside: open, inviting, and full of momentum.
As the last full day of #HLTHEurope (and the final one for many attendees) there was a clear sense of purpose in the air. Conversations felt more focused, and connections more intentional. The ice cream break wasn't just a treat; it was a moment to pause, reflect, and connect before heading into final meetings and takeaways.
Let's jump straight into this day's insights!
Preventive and Proactive Healthcare Models
One of the most powerful threads running through Day 2 was a shared commitment to shifting healthcare towards prevention and early detection with personalized care that starts before symptoms show up.
Neko Health's CEO took the main stage and shared compelling two-year data on what preventive care can really look like in practice. Their real-world health checkups have already led to early detection of serious conditions, and the high return rate among users signals something bigger: people are ready to be proactive if we meet them where they are.
Hjalmar Nilsonne spoke candidly about how we can actually inspire people to care about prevention. The answer? Less pressure, more connection. Human-first design, emotional resonance, and tools that feel intuitive and reassuring.
This consumer-driven shift was echoed in NHS England's upcoming 10-year plan, as discussed on the main stage during the session "End of an era: What's next for healthcare in England?". Penny Dash, Chair of NHS England, sat down with Shaun Lintern, Health Editor of The Sunday Times, to discuss the NHS's future and evolution. The answer? To put prevention at the core of public health strategy. The focus? Act early on chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and reimagine healthcare delivery that's timely.
Throughout the day, discussions circled around redefining what "real-time care" means, and how precision diagnostics and ongoing monitoring might help us catch diseases like cancer well before they progress, as heard in "The future of cancer treatment: From chemotherapy to precision medicine" panel (Espen Walker, PhD, Roland Rott, Dr. Yoeri M. Luijf, Fernanda C. G. Polubriaginof, MD, PhD and Mare Lensvelt).
As the promise of precision health grows, so does the concern around data privacy: what it means to share personal health data in the age of AI, and how trust can be built through transparency and control. And when the conversation turned to longevity, the question wasn't just how to add years, but how to make those years truly livable and equitable.
Investment & Funding
One question kept surfacing: What does it take to fund and scale health tech that actually works?
Christian Lautner, Pooja Sikka, Nina Williams, Tom Wilson, and Molly Gilmartin sat down to chat at the "Missing links: Why VCs and providers need better links" panel and explained how venture capital in digital health is shifting away from the hype, and toward grounded, system-ready solutions.
Christian Lautner mentioned how Heal Capital is focusing on disciplined, second-time founders and scalable payer-side innovations, with a strong interest in five-year visions that include global expansion. Meanwhile, Tom Wilson from Seedcamp discussed backing entrepreneurs new to healthcare who bring fresh thinking to long-standing inefficiencies.
The "European pharma trends 2025: what's in, what's out" panel also took place today and shared similar thoughts. The discussion highlighted a broader shift from investing in standalone assets to building entire ecosystems.
The message was clear: innovation alone isn't enough. The next wave of funding will favor tools that providers actually want to use, and solutions aligned with reimbursement structures and clinical priorities. In short, the future belongs to those who can pair vision with viable models and build with both clinicians and patients in mind.
Just because the last session wrapped doesn't mean the day was over. From focused side events to a well-earned evening celebration, the energy carried on. When the healthcare community comes together, conversations don't stop at the conference doors. Good food, music, and a full room made it clear: innovation is important, but so is enjoying the people behind it!
DAY 3
Final Day at HLTH Europe 2025: Still Building, Still Connected
The last day of HLTH Europe didn’t slow down; it focused on. After three full days of ideas, insights, and meaningful exchange, the atmosphere remained sharp and forward-looking. While some attendees were already heading to the airport, the halls were still buzzing with conversations that felt as ambitious as they were grounded. The mood? There’s work to be done, and this community is ready to do it. As for today’s highlight?
Space: The Final Frontier!
Space health emerged as one of the most unexpected and compelling themes of the week. In the "Space health: The final frontier (for medical science)" session, led by Dominic James, experts from the European Space Agency - ESA, BioOrbit, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme (Edwin Mulder, Katie King, PhD, Gerda Kuum) shared how low-gravity environments and satellite technologies are driving breakthroughs in everything from drug development to disease prediction.
Whether it’s printing organs aboard the ISS, studying the body under prolonged isolation, or using satellite data to track public health patterns, space is becoming a serious frontier for life sciences. With launch costs dropping and commercial access expanding, healthtech is entering orbit and pushing us to ask what the future holds for care that begins above the clouds but lands close to home.
Final Thoughts
As HLTH Europe 2025 draws to a close, one feeling stood out across conversations, panels, and spontaneous hallway meetups: momentum. Whether it was deep dives into AI, conversations on equity, space, or interoperability, or the simple joy of running into old friends over coffee, the event reminded everyone why digital care matters, and what’s possible when we build it together.
Leaving Amsterdam with full minds, full notebooks, and maybe still a bit of ice cream!