What We Learned from Reviewing 200+ Digital Health Startups
As digital health surges forward, programs like the Future of Health Grant are essential in uncovering and nurturing the startups that will shape tomorrow’s healthcare. Now in its fifth cohort, this grant program not only highlights the latest innovations in digital health but also offers a glimpse into where the field is headed globally. With 213 applications from 35 countries, this year’s cohort brings together a wealth of fresh perspectives and transformative ideas.
Switzerland leads in applications, contributing 57% of the total, yet the scope is truly international, with a robust presence from Asia, Africa, and the United States. This diversity mirrors digital health’s global momentum, as different regions tackle unique challenges in healthcare access, affordability, and patient experience. Within Switzerland, Zürich and Vaud remain top hubs, submitting 37 and 30 applications respectively—showing the influence of local ecosystems in fostering innovation. True to the program’s focus on early-stage ventures, 60% of applicants are startups under two years old, reinforcing the program’s commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ideas from the outset.
Here’s a closer look at the emerging trends revealed by this year’s applications and what they mean for the future of digital health. While these insights offer a valuable perspective, they represent a small sample size and should be interpreted with caution.
Care & Treatment remains the dominant focus area, with most startups concentrating on solutions to improve the direct patient experience and outcomes. Yet, Prevention is steadily gaining momentum, especially as mental health needs push to the forefront of global health priorities. This shift highlights an increasing awareness that proactive health management is as critical as treatment itself.
Within the Care & Treatment domain, many startups are developing tools to streamline medical documentation, provide clearer patient information, and ensure better medication adherence—all essential for enhancing care quality and patient satisfaction. Chronic disease management also takes center stage, with numerous solutions aimed at monitoring and supporting individuals living with long-term conditions. By addressing these areas, startups are not only optimizing clinical workflows but also empowering patients to manage their health more effectively.
Check the Digital Therapeutics Alliance document for more details on this categorization.
The diversity in digital health solutions is striking, spanning patient-facing tools and specialized platforms for healthcare providers (HCPs). One clear trend is the drive toward enhancing health system efficiency—an area essential for scaling high-quality care. Within this segment, many solutions cluster around optimizing workflows, specifically targeting the time-consuming processes of medical documentation and workforce management. By reducing administrative burdens, these innovations free up healthcare professionals to focus more directly on patient care, which is particularly valuable in today’s resource-strained health systems.
Telemedicine and telehealth solutions also stand out in this category, reflecting the global shift towards remote care. This trend, accelerated by recent healthcare challenges, signifies a long-term pivot to more flexible healthcare delivery models. By enabling more seamless and accessible care, these digital tools not only streamline service delivery but also aim to bolster system resilience, efficiency, and patient reach—factors that are increasingly critical as healthcare demands grow.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken center stage in the health tech landscape, revolutionizing areas like digital diagnostics and data interpretation, with a particular emphasis on image analysis. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to speeding up results, AI-driven tools are redefining what’s possible in patient care. The synergy between mobile apps and AI is also creating new opportunities for personalization, particularly in companion and coaching apps that adapt content to individual health needs and behaviours.
Beyond diagnostics, AI is transforming patient education, delivering tailored information that empowers individuals to better understand and manage their health. As these technologies mature, AI is poised to become an indispensable tool in both improving care outcomes and elevating the overall patient experience.
Mental health has emerged as a top priority within digital health, gaining substantial attention as a critical area for both Prevention and overall Health & Wellness. Many solutions in this segment are thoughtfully designed to support specific populations, with a notable focus on children and adolescents—a reflection of the growing awareness around early mental health intervention.
In addition to mental health, other significant focus areas are emerging within the health landscape. Reproductive and maternal health solutions are on the rise, particularly those addressing women’s health needs. Similarly, endocrine and metabolic health is a priority, with diabetes standing out as one of the most frequently targeted conditions. Together, these clusters underscore the diverse, tailored approaches startups are taking to address the varied health challenges faced by different demographic groups. Beyond diagnostics, AI is transforming patient education, delivering tailored information that empowers individuals to better understand and manage their health. As these technologies mature, AI is poised to become an indispensable tool in both improving care outcomes and elevating the overall patient experience.
The latest Future of Health Grant cohort reveals key trends shaping the future of healthcare: AI-driven advancements, holistic approaches, and an emphasis on system efficiency. AI is at the forefront, transforming digital diagnostics, personalized care, and overall healthcare efficiency. By combining AI with mobile apps and wearables, startups are paving the way for more intelligent, accessible health solutions. Mental health has also taken on new importance, particularly in prevention-focused, population-specific care for groups like adolescents and children.
Additionally, there’s a strong focus on health system optimization, with solutions aimed at improving documentation processes and managing healthcare workforce challenges. Together, these innovations promise a future where healthcare is smarter, more inclusive, and more attuned to the diverse needs of both patients and providers.