Insights from our Vanguard Experts

Smart watches and apps have introduced us to the potential of digital health, whether for monitoring general health metrics, managing specific conditions or supporting lifestyle changes. Yet devices are just one part of the digital health landscape, as can be seen by the work being undertaken on the Biopôle campus, from creating artificial organ parts to harnessing AI for better health insights. As part of our mission to support promising digital health-oriented projects, our six-month Vanguard Accelerator programme provides startups and innovators with access to our panel of experienced digital health experts, who provide real-world insights from their work in healthcare and strategic advice for taking a project forward.

Research led by Professor Thomas Hügle, Head of Rheumatology at the CHUV, currently focuses on digital rheumatology and developing machine learning algorithms for disease prediction. Moreover, his work in a healthcare setting provides him with unique insights into the issues that could be solved by technology.

‘Technological innovation is set to transform patients’ experiences,’ says Thomas, ‘and up-to-date, real-world data will mean we’ll learn more about diseases – and therefore be better placed to treat them.'

AI and the predictive potential of algorithms are key. For instance, Thomas highlights how AI is being used in diabetes care to provide constant device-based monitoring of blood glucose, and he believes that is a model that might be replicated for other chronic diseases.

Medtech business leader Pierre Chavineau believes digital health innovation can make a difference in cardiovascular disease. In that regard, Pierre believes innovation must home in on the power of early diagnosis.

‘Thanks to the rise of new technologies like AI-based algorithms and wearables,’ he says, ‘patients will be able to detect abnormal heart rhythms without needing to set foot in a hospital.’ Indeed, our expert predicts future cardiology innovations will take selfmonitoring and prevention to a whole new level.

Hôpital de La Tour CEO

Rodolphe Eurin’s advice is that innovators go beyond the explicit needs of the healthcare sector. ‘It’s important to understand the constraints faced by hospitals when launching new applications.’

While the innovation potential is immense, there are also considerable challenges. Our experts predict staff training, regulation and data protection to be just some of the issues innovators must consider when developing their projects.

Fortunately, the panel’s experience, whether in research, clinical practice or business, means start-ups joining the programme will have a head start as they attempt to pre-empt any pitfalls and take their business strategies to the next level.

Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie since 2016, is aiming to continue its history of innovation to make it ‘the world’s most renowned and progressive spa-clinic’.