Digital Health Technologies and its acceleration through Innovation Networks

4^th International Conference on Digital Health

March 15, 2022 | Webinar

Cristina Magdalena Paez Aviles

Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

Acceleration and progression of TRLs of technology-based spin-offs through innovation networks have received considerable attention for its promise to contribute to technology transfer and entrepreneurship. In fact, studies have demonstrated that belonging to a managed network enhances knowledge transfer, fosters innovation and eases access to resources, partners and investors, which are key elements for the development and sustainability of new ventures. Xartec Salut is a HealthTech Innovation Network with 47 research groups from 17 leading institutions in the field (hospitals, universities and technology centers) co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional). Xartec Salut’s network is the first network that considers the healthcare sector in Catalonia as a whole, generating and sharing knowledge and designing a framework to systematically detect, evaluate and foster the most potential technologies by collaborative consortia (from healthcare institutions, academic research and technology centers). In this line, the network has a Venture Builder Program aimed to support and accelerate the technology transfer of health technologies through user/patient-oriented spin-offs born within the network. So far, the network has supported market-driven projects and specially digital health technologies such as digital therapeutic solutions, a serious games platform for immersive medical training, and apps that facilitate connectivity between patients and doctors for better follow-up care. In this regard, the network is becoming a catalyst to accelerate the creation of new companies in the Health Tech and Digital Health ecosystem, enhancing their longterm survival and maximizing their impact in the market while providing specific resources and support.

Biography :

Cristina Páez-Avilés is Biotechnological Engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from University Pompeu Fabra and a PhD in Nanoscience from the University of Barcelona. She has worked at Johnson&Johnson’s Medical Device division and was the Research Coordinator at Roche Ecuador. Currently, she does Business Development at Xartec Salut, the Catalan’s HealthTech Network. She has published more than 20 papers in high-impact factor journals such as Sensors, The Journal of Technology Transfer, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management and the International Journal of Innovation Management.