The Future of Health Grant Expands the Reach of Digital Health Solutions
The transformation of digital health in Switzerland is accelerating, as demonstrated by the growing momentum of the Future of Health Grant (FoHG). The startup acceleration program, led by CSS and EPFL Innovation Park, received a record-breaking 243 applications for its spring cohort. Six of them have now been selected. And to push innovation even further, the FoHG is launching its “Pilot Factory”, an initiative that will facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborations to test solutions in real-world settings.
Six new startups selected to accelerate digital health innovation
The FoHG has selected six startups from a record 243 applications to receive strategic and hands-on support, including up to CHF 90,000 in non-dilutive funding, personalized coaching, and access to a network of experts and key industry players. Each startup can progress through the three maturity levels of the program.
OncoBoard: Organizing and prioritizing cancer data from multiple sources to create personalized, patient-centric reports for better treatment decisions
VAir: A non-invasive, automated breath analysis platform detecting multiple respiratory viruses in under 3 minutes – https://vair.dev
Onescope: A MedTech innovator revolutionizing respiratory care with the Pneumoscope, a 3-in-1 AI-powered device for diagnosing and monitoring lung health – https://onescope.ch
Clee Medical: Enhancing neurosurgery with AI-driven image visualization, improving intraoperative decision-making for safer, more precise procedures – https://cleemedical.com
DigeHealth: A 24/7 monitoring solution for bowel diseases, focusing on post-operative recovery and prevention through real-time health insights – https://digehealth.care/
Neuria: A gamified digital therapeutic intervention designed to recalibrate the brain’s reward system and reduce unhealthy food cravings – https://neuria.ch
Launching the “Pilot Factory”, a new real-world testing ground
In addition to the tailored support provided by expert partners, some selected startups will now have the opportunity to test their solutions in real-world conditions. With the launch of the “Pilot Factory”, the Future of Health Grant is initiating multi-stakeholder pilot projects that bring together healthcare providers, patient associations, pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and innovators. The goal is to test and validate innovative health solutions in real environments, fostering collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
The FoHG, a unique approach with committed founders
By bringing together key innovation players, the FoHG is actively shaping the future of healthcare through digital technologies. It aims to drive greater personalization of care, more precise diagnostics, real-time patient monitoring, reduced delays, and lower costs.
For nearly a decade, CSS has been investing in connected health, playing an active role at every stage of innovation through initiatives such as the CSS Health Lab (in partnership with ETH Zurich and the University of St. Gallen) and its investment subsidiary, SwissHealth Ventures.
The EPFL Innovation Park contributes its scientific expertise, startup support, and vast network, helping to develop cutting-edge digital health solutions in French-speaking Switzerland.
This collaboration is strengthening the quality and efficiency of the Swiss healthcare system, benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and policyholders alike.
Isabelle Tasset, CSS Media Relations
isabelle.tasset@css.ch
Mathilde Durvy, EPFL Innovation Park
durvy@epfl-innovationpark.ch
Future of Health Grant – in brief
Launched in 2022 by CSS and the EPFL Innovation Park, this program, which supports innovations in digital health, is distinguished by its practical approach. Each start-up benefits from tailored coaching and monitoring, enabling it to move forward as quickly as possible while optimizing its resources. Around 15 start-ups are chosen each year to receive support totaling up to CHF 90,000 without any dilution of ownership. The FoHG draws on the expertise of its founders and its unique network of partners composed of key players in the Swiss healthcare industry. This ecosystem stimulates the exchange of knowledge and experiences that is essential to agile, collaborative innovation. At present, the partners are: confinis, CSEM, Elca, HE-ARC, Hôpital de la Tour, Institut et Haute Ecole de la Santé la Source, Microsoft, Pfizer, Réseau Delta,Takeda, Unisanté, and Vaudoise Assurance.
The CSS Group, headquartered in Lucerne, was founded in 1899. This long-standing company insures 1.75 million people and, with a premium volume of around CHF 6.75 billion, is a key player in health and property insurance. The leader in basic insurance, where it has earned the trust of 1.55 million people, CSS is always close to the people it insures thanks to its unique network of 99 agencies covering the whole of Switzerland and some 2,780 employees. As a health partner, CSS helps its clients take control of their health and accompanies them on their journey to staying healthy, actively taking steps to improve their health or learning to live with illness. At the same time, it supports the development of new, useful and highly effective healthcare solutions that will benefit both insured persons and the healthcare system. All with the aim of building a system that is fit for the future.
EPFL Innovation Park – in brief
EPFL Innovation Park is the main hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Western Switzerland. It supports ground-breaking innovation and technology transfer from EPFL and other regional academic partners. It is a vibrant workplace that hosts 200 high-tech start-ups, SMEs, the R&D centers of large companies, and their 2,500 employees. Over the years, EPFL Innovation Park has developed a series of unique start-up training, incubation, and acceleration programs in collaboration with a dynamic community of industry experts, investors, venture capitalists, and government agencies.
