Big data is transforming the healthcare landscape, offering new possibilities in patient care, diagnostics, and operational efficiency.
By leveraging vast amounts of health information, medical professionals can make more informed decisions, predict disease patterns, and improve patient outcomes.
As a key driver of healthcare innovation in Europe, EIT Health is dedicated to advancing the responsible and effective use of big data in healthcare. Through strategic funding, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, we support startups that are leveraging health data to transform patient care and healthcare delivery.
The role of health data in driving innovation
Health data encompasses a wide range of information, from electronic health records (EHRs) and genomic sequences to wearable device readings and real time patient monitoring. Startups are tapping into these data sources to develop predictive analytics models, enhance personalised medicine, and streamline healthcare operations.
Despite its potential, harnessing health data comes with challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory compliance, and interoperability between systems. However, with the right frameworks and innovations, the opportunities outweigh the obstacles, paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system.
EIT Health-supported startups making an impact with big data:
BLiiNK: Leveraging big data for digital well-being
BLiiNK is dedicated to transforming digital interactions into actionable health insights, promoting healthier screen habits to prevent chronic issues such as eye strain and musculoskeletal discomfort. BLiiNK employs AI-driven analytics and real-time monitoring to evaluate a user’s posture, screen distance, and blink rate. By processing these metrics locally on the PC, it provides tailored corrective actions to reduce discomfort, while also recommending targeted exercises for specific muscle groups and overall well-being.
Some key challenges to using data include ensuring data privacy under strict regulations like GDPR, driving user adoption in a fast-paced digital space, and securing early-stage funding in the competitive health tech sector. BLiiNK overcame these by designing a privacy-first app that operates entirely locally, giving users full control over their data.