9 Innovative Trends to Look Out for in the Healthcare Sector

• 3D printed models

There are many branches in the healthcare industry that significantly benefit from 3D printing. This technology creates more affordable and better-performing medical appliances and allows new personalised care. For example, Addidream, a French start-up, allowed hospitals to save a considerable amount of inventory space by providing medical guides and 3D-printed surgical tools that are smaller and lighter using 3D printing.

• Big Data and AI

The healthcare system has been submerged with immense amounts of complex data at high speed. With the fast progress of technology, there is a vast potential for using Artificial Intelligence in processing big data. Medicus, a Dubai start-up, created an AI platform that converts health data into more understandable explanations based on the user’s unique health profile and accordingly gives them tips and recommendations to stay healthy.

• Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics is one of the most promising healthcare trends; it is focused on making predictions using historical data to customise individual care. Allied Market Research expected the global predictive analytics market in healthcare to grow to $8.46 billion in 2025. A USA-based start-up, Covera Health, focuses on optimising patient care and reducing misdiagnosis by utilising predictive analytics.

• Robotics

Robotic technology is emerging in many domains that directly affect patient care, decreasing risks for the medical workforce and patients by carrying supplies, monitoring patients and assisting in surgeries, among many other assignments. For example, the HeartLander, a miniature robot developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, can perform heart therapy treatments.

• TeleMedicine and TeleCommunication

Reaching out to and diagnosing patients using technology has dramatically increased in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Telemedicine and telecommunication can deliver a safe way for healthcare institutions to work at a distance effectively. For example, Alem Health, a MENA-based start-up, created a telemedicine service that provided hospitals in developing countries with a network of diagnostic tools and consultation services from hospitals in more developed countries.

• Virtual Reality

Virtual reality in the healthcare system creates fascinating possibilities creating advanced training methods for surgeons, relaxing patients, speeding up recovering in physical therapy, and even raising disease awareness. Surgical Theatre, an innovative US-based start-up, designed a surgical training programme using virtual reality in which practitioners can simulate a surgery beforehand.

• Chatbots

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of chatbots in the healthcare industry due to their efficient and effective immediate response. Chatbots are software application that simulates conversations with humans who use the application. They can provide 24/7 healthcare, reduce waiting time and give daily medication reminders. For example, Youper AI uses psychological techniques to provide quick, personalised advice and monitor users’ experiences, improving the field of mental health.

• Machine Learning

Machine learning is most commonly used in the healthcare system to develop clinical care guidelines, help with automated billing and support clinical decisions. For example, Olive is an AI-as-a-service start-up that enables healthcare organisations to improve their efficiency while reducing administrative errors that are costly for hospitals.

• Digital Pharmacy

Digital pharmacies use digital tools to revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry by improving patient care, business, and practice. Yodawy, an Egypt-based start-up, created a pharmacy benefit management solution, constituting a user-friendly platform that allows patients to order their medication online, releasing them from the hassle of going to the pharmacy and revolutionising the healthcare ecosystem.

All of the start-up ideas and innovative trends have one thing in common: they recognised what was missing from the healthcare system and used technology as an innovation enabler to provide a variety of high-quality solutions using chatbots, machine learning, telemedicine, virtual reality, robotics, 3D printing, AI, and analytics. So think about the gaps and needs in the health sector, and try to find your solution within these ground-breaking technologies.

At CREO Incubator, we offer a range of entrepreneurship courses and skills programmes designed to provide healthcare and healthtech entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed. By enrolling in our courses, entrepreneurs gain access to resources that can help them navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial world and accelerate their growth.

Loved this article? Sign up for our mailing list below!