The next conversation in the Healthtech of the Week series is not just another look at the development of medtech. It is a conversation about how the development of artificial intelligence has allowed us to spread our wings and create things that were once only dreams. Janusz Kowalski, founder and organizer of the MEDmeetsTECH conference, which has been connecting the world of medicine with technology and business for years, talks about the most important innovations of recent years, the maturity of the medical startup ecosystem in Poland and Europe, as well as the challenges facing the industry.

We began our conversation with AI, as the growing importance of artificial intelligence raises questions about its role in the therapeutic process. As our interlocutor emphasized, the consensus among specialists is clear: AI will not replace doctors, but will become their indispensable support. It is a tool that, in the hands of a qualified specialist, can increase the effectiveness of treatment, but it cannot function in isolation from human knowledge, experience, and empathy. In medicine, the doctor-patient relationship remains paramount, and artificial intelligence should be seen as a catalyst for improving the quality of care, not a substitute for clinical decision-making.

The second area highlighted by our guest, which has had a huge impact on the medical industry in recent years, is robotics.

– The development of robotic surgery systems has revolutionized the approach to many procedures, enabling operations to be performed with unprecedented precision. In Poland, too, we are seeing increasingly widespread implementation of this technology, confirming that it is no longer the preserve of the most developed markets. Medical robots not only increase patient safety, but also shorten recovery times and reduce the risk of complications – explains Janusz Kowalski.

We must not forget about telemedicine, which became a necessity during the pandemic and is now slowly becoming a permanent part of the healthcare system. Remote consultations, health monitoring, and quick access to specialists give patients more control over their treatment. Doctors, on the other hand, are given tools to manage their time and resources more effectively. Telemedicine increases the availability of services, especially for people in smaller towns, and also contributes to reducing system costs.

The maturity of the medical startup ecosystem

The current state of the medical startup ecosystem in Poland and Europe deserves special attention. It can be said to be highly mature, as evidenced by growing investor interest, access to grants and acceleration programs, and an increasingly better understanding of the specifics of the healthcare sector by the innovators themselves. However, the most successful projects are those that can realistically respond to the needs of patients and doctors, rather than just demonstrating attractive technological solutions.

– Polish startups do not lack innovation, creativity, or talent. The challenge is rather perseverance and access to stable financing that would allow them to survive the most difficult phase of commercialization. Many creators emphasize that in order to successfully establish themselves on the international stage, not only funds are necessary, but also resilience to failure and determination in long-term action, says the founder and organizer of MEDmeetsTECH.

And although the medical sector has traditionally been considered conservative and reluctant to embrace new developments, recent years have shown that it is becoming more open to cooperation with innovators. Conferences such as MEDmeetsTECH play a special role here, bringing together technology entrepreneurs with doctors, scientists, and investors. It is at the intersection of different perspectives that the most valuable solutions are born.

As Janusz Kowalski emphasizes, the key characteristics of HealthTech leaders are openness to change, curiosity about the world, and a willingness to constantly seek new solutions. Keeping track of trends, drawing inspiration from the experiences of other industries, and the ability to adapt are essential to effectively lead an organization and keep pace with the pace of transformation. In this industry, it is a proactive attitude, not just technology, that determines success. And cybersecurity, too.

Challenges and the future

However, the growing role of new technologies in healthcare is not without risks. The greatest concern is the security of medical data, which is some of the most sensitive information about a patient. Patients should have full control over who has access to their data, when, and to what extent. Only by ensuring an adequate level of information protection can the development of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and analytical systems be seen as a positive step towards modern and secure healthcare.

What else will be trending? According to our interviewee, in addition to artificial intelligence and robotics, the development of wearable technology and personalized medicine will have a significant impact on medicine in the near future. Devices that monitor heart function, physical activity levels, and biochemical parameters allow doctors and patients to keep track of health status on an ongoing basis, which promotes prevention and early detection of diseases. Personalized medicine, in turn, uses genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to tailor therapy to the individual needs of the patient, increasing the effectiveness of treatment and minimizing the risk of side effects.

– However, it is worth noting that the industry is likely on the verge of a technological revolution, the full extent of which we do not yet know. Ultimately, the development of the HealthTech industry is not driven solely by technology, but also by the people behind the innovations. It is passion, belief in science, and curiosity about the world that keep leaders searching for new avenues of development despite the difficulties. Conferences such as MEDmeetsTECH show that exchanging experiences, discussing successes and failures, and building networks are of great importance for shaping the future of the sector – says the conference organizer.

Healthtech of the Week has repeatedly shown in its series that technology will be ubiquitous in the medicine of the future, but its value will depend on whether it remains at the service of patients and doctors. This combination of knowledge, experience, and innovation forms the foundation of modern healthcare, in which people and technology coexist in harmony, responding to the greatest challenges of our time.

We would like to invite you to the 20th anniversary edition of the MEDmeetsTECH conference, which will take place on December 4, 2025, in Warsaw. This year’s program will include a session on communication, market know-how, presentations of qualified startup projects, and debates with representatives of public institutions.

More information: https://medmeetstech.com/

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Stay tuned for more in the “HealthTech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

In the first September edition of Healthtech of the Week, we are pleased to present a conversation with someone who has been observing the dynamics of the medtech sector from the inside. Dr. Sonja Sulzmaier from the Innovation World Cup team speaks about the program’s mission, industry trends, and opportunities for innovators. Among the program’s initiatives is the MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION, dedicated to young companies in the fields of medicine and health technology. Registration is open until the 12th of September. We also discussed the growing impact of femtech and the challenges of certification.

Our interviewee is the Managing Partner at Navispace and Techpreneurs GmbH, the company behind the Innovation World Cup – a global open innovation platform connecting startups and innovators with leading technology companies. She has over 20 years of experience in business development, innovation strategy, and entrepreneurship. She also serves as Chairwoman of the Federal Commission for Startups and Founders at BVMW, where she supports the growth of entrepreneurship in the SME sector.

Anita Kijanka: How did the idea of the Innovation World Cup come about?

Dr. Sonja Sulzmaier (Innovation World Cup): The Innovation World Cup Series is an international platform supporting start-ups, scale-ups, and smaller tech companies. Our goal is to empower innovators to present their solutions to the global market and establish strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. The program is not limited to healthcare — it also covers smart construction, prop-tech, industrial automation, wearables, mobility, and energy.

To qualify, participants need a functional prototype and a market-entry plan within 12 months. They gain access to business contacts, financial prizes, developer kits, and global visibility.

What distinguishes your initiative from other competitions and accelerators?

Our strength lies in close cooperation with major industry events. A prime example is MEDICA in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading healthcare trade fair. As part of MEDICA, we organize a dedicated forum for 100 innovators, offering not only exposure but also real access to investors, business partners, and customers. For medtech start-ups, being present at MEDICA is often a strategic gateway to the global market.

What elements increase the chances of success in the competition?

The most important thing is clearly articulating the innovation’s value and the product’s development stage. The jury evaluates novelty, uniqueness, and market potential. It’s also worth noting that we run two competitions in parallel. 

MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION – for young companies working on solutions in areas such as AI, medical robotics, or laboratory diagnostics.

Healthcare Innovation World Cup – open to slightly more mature companies (up to 8–9 years old), focused on intelligent medical devices, wearables, VR/AR applications, and technologies supporting cardiology and other specializations.

Many start-ups struggle with commercialization. Does the program support this process?

Absolutely. We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all acceleration program, but we do create conditions for direct collaboration with technology partners, corporations, and investors. For example, our long-term partner STMicroelectronics invites selected start-ups into pilot projects or proof-of-concept collaborations.

Through MEDICA, participants connect with distributors from Europe, the U.S., and Asia. In many cases, this sparks internationalization and helps build long-term business relationships.

What trends are you observing among applications?

Artificial intelligence is by far the most dominant trend — both in software solutions and embedded in hardware devices. Another rapidly growing area is smart patches: originally for glucose monitoring, but now expanding to cardiological, hormonal, and metabolic parameters.

We also see strong growth in personalized and precision medicine — devices that not only monitor health but also deliver precise doses of medication in real time. This is a direction that could fundamentally transform patient care in the coming years.

Femtech is gaining visibility, including in Poland. How do you view this segment?

Femtech is one of the most promising yet still underestimated areas. It’s not limited to menstrual health or menopause but also addresses gender-specific differences in disease symptoms — for instance, heart attack symptoms in women can differ significantly from men. This opens a vast field for innovation in both diagnostics and therapy. More and more start-ups are recognizing this potential, and we actively support their participation in the program.

Can companies without CE or FDA certification apply?

Yes. Certification is not a prerequisite for participation. If a start-up is in the regulatory process, it’s important to highlight it, since the jury takes this into account. However, consumer products without medical device certification are also eligible.

How do you convince companies to join?

The Innovation World Cup is not a typical start-up festival but an international platform that supports internationalization, strategic partnerships, and sales channel development. Its effectiveness is best illustrated by the success stories of companies that began here and are now recognized players in the industry.

Some examples include:

• Dermanostics – developer of innovative diagnostic solutions for skin cancer,
• StethoMe (Poland) – producer of an intelligent stethoscope,
• Samphire Neuroscience (USA) – winner of last year’s edition,
• Medicube-X (Finland) – start-up developing advanced medical devices.

Detailed stories of these and many other companies can be found in the “Success Stories” section on the Innovation World Cup website.

Finally, what’s new at MEDICA this year?

A special highlight of MEDICA will be the Women Leaders in Healthcare program on November 18. This session will focus on the role of female leaders in shaping health innovations and provide a dedicated space for experience-sharing and networking. It’s also worth noting that the Healthcare Innovation World Cup final will take place on November 17, while the MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION will conclude on November 18.

The HealthTech of the Week team is looking forward to the groundbreaking innovations that will be showcased at MEDICA. For more details, visit medica-tradefair.com and join us at the event.

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Stay tuned for more in the “HealthTech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

The guest of the last August edition of the Healthtech of the Week series is someone whose insights not only broaden knowledge but also inspire. For decades, the Mother and Child Institute in Warsaw has been a place where medicine meets technology. Its Director and our interviewee, Dr. Tomasz Maciejewski, proves that the institute not only provides treatment but also actively tests and implements innovations. Its history includes pioneering newborn screening programs, the first gene therapies in Poland, and endoprostheses that grow with the patient. We discussed the state of Polish medtech as well as the upcoming finals of the MCSC Hospital Leadership Innovation competition.

But before moving on to the present, let’s go back a few years. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point. Before the introduction of telemedicine and AI solutions often faced resistance, with arguments that “it couldn’t be done.” However, the shift to remote consultations, monitoring, and data analysis – forced by sanitary restrictions – revealed that the barriers were more mental than technological. Healthcare professionals quickly realized that digital tools could be a valuable support, easing part of their workload and improving access to care.

– This experience paved the way for the establishment of the AI and Innovation Department at our Institute in 2022 – a specialized unit tasked with connecting the startup and technology world with hospital realities. Its first team members were Karolina Tądel and Wiktor Możarowski. A key element of their work became the Mother and Child Startup Challenge – our flagship competition for young medtech companies – explains Maciejewski.

The first edition covered five hospitals, and later editions expanded further. At the beginning of 2025, the competition underwent a complete rebranding, becoming MCSC Hospital Leadership Innovation. This allowed for a broader formula, extending beyond pediatric patients. Today, the MCSC ecosystem brings together 16 medical facilities from across Poland. The competition is gaining growing international recognition. This year, as many as 90 innovators from all over the world applied – an absolute record.

The entire process is coordinated by an interdisciplinary IMiD team: the Implementation Department – Center for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence. It includes Radosław Nowak, Nikoletta Buczek, Ewelina Tomaszczyk, Monika Dobrzeniecka, and Małgorzata Maj. They act as the “first filter,” helping innovators connect with the hospital. The team also ensures that testing technologies in the facility is done safely, with respect for both patients and data security as well as infrastructure.

The role of trust in technology

This approach verifies whether solutions are more than flashy demonstrators and actually support staff while fitting into clinical workflows. The interdisciplinary competition Jury emphasizes three key elements: actual clinical usefulness, compliance with legal requirements (including public procurement), and ease of integration with hospital IT systems. Challenges arise frequently – from startups’ and companies’ lack of understanding of the end user, through product-hospital mismatch, to limited scalability and lack of readiness for formal requirements.

According to Dr. Maciejewski, the greatest needs of Polish medicine in terms of innovation include reducing bureaucracy and automating medical documentation, enabling rapid integration of patient data from many sources with predictive modules to support clinical decisions, and developing tools to coordinate care among different specialists while engaging patients in their treatment. IoT solutions and predictive analytics, optimizing resource management can also play an important role here.

Time for change – nationwide

We could not miss the question about the future. The Institute’s long-term vision involves the unification and standardization of medical data in Poland, including information exchange formats and terminological dictionaries. This is a prerequisite for AI tools to fully utilize the potential of national resources. IMiD is collaborating in this field with leading international centers, including Mayo Clinic and Karolinska Institutet.

– The first major implementation success of the department was the use of VR technology in pediatric surgery in cooperation with CarnaLife Holo MedApp. The project received wide recognition from the medical community and became a symbol of a practical approach to innovation. Since then, the Institute has carried out further initiatives with a common denominator: effectively transitioning from prototype to clinical standard – explains the Director of the Mother and Child Institute.

During our conversation, our guest repeatedly emphasized that innovation is not just an idea. It is a process that must evolve from vision to everyday practice – a point also highlighted in McKinsey and Deloitte reports. This very approach – combining strategic thinking, openness to technology, and close cooperation of the entire IMiD team – makes the Warsaw Institute one of the leaders of Polish healthtech, while the competition becomes a forge of solutions that genuinely transform healthcare. Many of them we have described during the Healthtech of the Week series, and we hope to do so again with innovators from the current edition.

The 4th MCSC Hospital Leadership Innovation Finals are near

Although the final gala of the fourth edition will take place on October 21, on September 17, the Hospital Innovation Summit – one of the most important events of this year’s competition – will already be held. At the Warsaw Gasworks Museum, company representatives, startups, doctors, investors, and healthcare policymakers will meet. That is when the 10 finalists will present their groundbreaking solutions to a wide audience. In addition to the pitching session, the program includes a debate with public sector representatives, workshops, and networking opportunities.

It is worth noting that participation in the Hospital Innovation Summit is free of charge and open to everyone upon prior registration. All information is available on LinkedIn and on the website www.mcsc.pl

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Stay tuned for more in the “HealthTech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

Medicine and technology are evolving rapidly—and so is our series. This time in HealthTech of the Week, we want to give voice not only to medtech companies but also to leaders shaping the future of medicine, both in Poland and globally. Our guest this week is Agnieszka Nowak-Musiej, an internist and diabetologist who has been deeply engaged in healthcare quality issues for years. In our conversation, we discussed the digitization of healthcare, patient empowerment, and the directions the system may take in the coming years.

Digitization in healthcare is an increasingly common topic—at conferences, in reports, and during strategic discussions. Yet it often sounds more like an ambitious idea than a present reality. From your perspective, what is the sector’s biggest pain point today?

The lack of data integration. Imagine a patient who is seeing several specialists—say, a cardiologist, a diabetologist, and a general practitioner. Each of them has a partial view of the patient, often only from one facility. As a result, therapeutic decisions are made without a full picture. It’s like treating in the dark. We do have the data—but it exists in silos rather than collaborating. Unfortunately, IT systems compete with or simply ignore each other.

So it’s not a matter of lacking data, but of failing to use it wisely?

Exactly. I often say—we have plenty of information. It might not always be of the highest quality, but it’s workable. The issue is we don’t know how to use it. There’s a huge amount of medical data, but it’s scattered, and sometimes even useless without broader context. Doctors lack tools that would give them quick access to a patient’s comprehensive medical history. This creates a risk of incorrect therapeutic decisions.

We’re talking about systems, but at the core of all this is the human being. Do patients have any control over what happens to their data?

Legally speaking, yes. But in practice? Very few patients know where their data goes, how long it’s stored, or who has access to it. Systems are opaque and hermetic. On one hand, we talk about GDPR and security, but on the other, patients have no real influence on how their data supports their care. Yet they should be the owners of that data—not just passive sources of it.

How do you assess data security in medical facilities?

It’s still a very difficult issue. Not long ago, there was a case in Poland where cybercriminals breached a company’s IT systems, encrypted the data, and demanded a ransom of several hundred thousand dollars—and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Health data is now one of the most coveted resources and, in my opinion, worth more than money. Yet, healthcare systems are often underfunded in terms of cybersecurity. Sometimes, data is stored locally on outdated servers without proper protections. That’s like keeping a safe in a cardboard box.

That’s a strong metaphor. But the point isn’t fear-mongering, it’s about realism?

Exactly. I want to emphasize that technology isn’t just patient apps. It’s the backbone of the system: backend, integration, security, and responsibility. Investing in digitization isn’t a luxury for startups—it’s a necessity if we want the system to work better, faster, and safer.

Speaking of startups, what’s currently the biggest barrier to entry into the medtech sector?

Regulations and market access. To launch a medical product, you have to navigate a jungle of certifications—CE, MDR, FDA—which costs time, money, and nerves. Hybrid solutions combining hardware and software face particular challenges. For small teams, it’s often a barrier they can’t overcome without strategic partners. We must also remember that tools exist to improve healthcare processes. Good innovation includes solutions that are true game changers in how care is delivered and how medical personnel work, while significantly improving health outcomes.

That brings us to the question: What kind of idea has a real chance of success today?

To me, the key is creating tools that genuinely support doctors in decision-making. For example, a system that automatically aggregates and organizes a patient’s medical data from various sources, creating a complete and dynamic picture of their health. The tool should be safe, reliable, and well-tailored to the needs of its users.

You also have a personal interest in modern diabetology. Could you tell us more?

I’m fascinated by closed-loop systems—a combination of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring, managed by an algorithm that analyzes data and autonomously adjusts insulin dosing. This is real support for the patient. It reduces the time patients spend managing their condition daily and improves disease control. But it’s important to remember that even the best system can’t replace awareness. It’s still a chronic illness requiring daily engagement.

What’s your opinion on popular health trends, like the book “Glucose Revolution”?

It’s an interesting phenomenon. On one hand, I’m glad that people want to learn more about their health. On the other hand, that knowledge should come from reliable sources. Unfortunately, Glucose Revolution contains a lot of information that doesn’t align with medical science. Popular books or influencers often oversimplify complex physiological processes. It’s great when accessible content inspires lifestyle changes, but it becomes dangerous when it leads to harmful actions. A good example is when Doda encouraged people with Hashimoto’s disease to stop taking medications and replace them with supplements. Critical thinking should always accompany us when reading content outside verified medical sources.

And finally, how do you see different generations in terms of healthcare innovation?

It’s a fascinating topic. The silver generation often faces a digital barrier—many people (though we shouldn’t generalize) don’t use smartphones or trust apps. For them, simplicity and direct contact are key. Younger generations—like Gen Z—have completely different expectations. For them, it’s natural that everything works online, intuitively, and instantly. And they’re right—if healthcare is to be within reach, technology must be invisible yet effective.

Recently, I mentored a group of students during the Hack na Zdrowie project. The youth designed solutions to support childhood obesity prevention. I was incredibly impressed not only by their creativity but also by their high level of innovation. At the same time, their ideas were highly feasible and could bring significant health benefits in the future.

Thank you so much for this conversation, for the insights, and for the heart clearly visible in your approach.

Thank you! I hope this conversation reaches people who have influence over the system and shows that innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real, human need.

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Stay tuned for more in the “HealthTech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].