Digital Health Lab Day 2024
September 03, 2024, by Alessandro Puiatti, SUPSI
The 6th ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day took place on September 3, 2024, at the ZHAW School of Engineering in Winterthur, under the theme “People, Technologies, and Processes.” This annual event brought together leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and explore the future of digital health.
The program – which attracted almost 300 participants from healthcare, IT, management, health sectors, startups, and research communities, engaged in vibrant discussions about the latest developments in digital health – was designed to provide a rich and varied experience, featuring a blend of keynote speeches, interactive workshops, poster exhibitions, startup pitches, and panel discussions. This diverse format allowed attendees to engage deeply with the material and network with professionals across the industry. The keynote speakers included prominent figures from academia, healthcare policy, and industry who shared their insights on critical issues and innovative developments in the digital health landscape.
Among the highlights were presentations on pioneering concepts such as Digital Twins, explained by Prof. Dr. Sven Hirsch from ZHAW, who discussed how virtual models of patients can enhance personalized medicine. Prof. Dr. Roger Gassert from ETH Zurich explored advancements in neurorehabilitation, shedding light on new technologies that aid recovery for individuals with neurological conditions. Additionally, Dr. Guy Bogaarts from Roche Diagnostics provided valuable information on digital biomarkers and their role in patient monitoring and treatment optimization. Gian-Reto Grond from the Federal Office of Public Health offered insights into the DigiSanté program, emphasizing the Swiss government’s commitment to integrating digital health solutions into conventional healthcare practices.
The event also featured engaging workshops where participants could delve into specific topics related to digital health innovations and their practical applications. Startup pitches provided a platform for emerging companies to showcase their groundbreaking products and solutions, fostering an environment of collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the panel discussions facilitated dynamic exchanges among experts regarding the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital health technologies. These conversations encouraged participants to think critically about the ethical, regulatory, and logistical considerations necessary for the successful rollout of digital health initiatives.
Overall, the 6th ZHAW Digital Health Lab Day not only highlighted the latest research and technological advancements but also emphasized the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By fostering meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities, the event aimed to drive forward innovations in digital health that enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and ultimately transform the healthcare sector.
