Our exciting and challenging business year in 2021 was marked by the launch of the NetHub Business Accelerator for Healthcare Technology Development. Initial activities focused on holding the first cycle of networking events aimed at introducing entrepreneurs and experts in innovation and healthcare to the meaning of “HealthTech,” the development of healthcare technologies, and the opportunities offered by HealthTech entrepreneurship and the integration of digital technologies into the health system. Despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we managed to exceed our expectations. Below is a brief overview of what we achieved.
- “From Students to Entrepreneurs – How to Build a Successful Career in HealthTech”
The first networking event was held in collaboration with the School of Medicine in Split and the Student Entrepreneurship Incubator (SPI). The primary goal was to introduce interested students to the opportunities offered by an entrepreneurial career in HealthTech. The project “Development, Improvement, and Implementation of Professional Practice at the School of Medicine in Split” and the Student Entrepreneurship Incubator were presented. Participants also had the opportunity to meet the award-winning founder Ena Melvan and her startup Metabelly.
- “Modern Technological Solutions in Health and Social Care: Funding, Implementation, and Development Opportunities”
The second networking event was organized in collaboration with the University Hospital Centre (KBC) Split, with the support of Split-Dalmatia County. The main goal was to familiarize representatives of public health and social care institutions with the possibilities for funding, introducing, and developing innovative technological solutions. Professor Aleksandar Džakula, PhD, from the School of Medicine in Zagreb, gave a lecture on technological progress and healthcare system management, while Professor Karmen Lončarek, PhD, from KBC Rijeka, presented examples of good practice in Croatia.
- “Grant Funding Opportunities for Innovative Healthcare Technology Solutions”
The third networking event was held in collaboration with the School of Medicine in Split and ICT County. Its primary objective was to introduce private healthcare providers to grant funding opportunities for HealthTech innovations. Associate Professor Petar Šolić, PhD, an expert in sensor technologies, presented ways to link IT with healthcare, while entrepreneur Karlo Sudarević shared his experiences in developing innovative 3D printing technology for dentistry.
- “HealthTech – Innovation Development and Financing for SMEs”
The fourth networking event was organized with the School of Medicine in Split, ICT County, and the Split Tech City community. The focus was on introducing IT-sector SMEs to favorable EU funding for HealthTech innovations. Hrvoje Belani, MSc, from the Ministry of Health, explained the Croatian legislative framework, the e-health system, and the certification protocol for the Central Healthcare Information System (CEZIH).
In addition to these events, NetHub focused on internal development by participating in several educational workshops, highlighting two in particular:
- Workshop on the Implementation of Standardized Consulting Services for Entrepreneurs
Organized by the BOND Network and HAMAG-BICRO, these workshops hosted over 70 representatives from entrepreneurial support institutions (PPIs) on applying standardized consulting services for startup entrepreneurs.
- International Innovation Festival: GIANT Health Event
The GIANT (Global Innovation and New Technology) Health Event is Europe’s most significant digital health event. For seven years, this international festival has aimed to connect leading HealthTech entrepreneurs and promote sectoral innovations to improve human health and well-being.
Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this possible – the entire dedicated NetHub team and our partners, including several Ministries, HAMAG-BICRO, the City of Split, regional hospitals, and academic institutions, for their continuous trust and support. We look forward to 2022 and new achievements in fostering healthcare technology and improving the business climate for SMEs.