Dundalk IT eHealth Embark programme supports Digital Health startups

Dundalk IT has announced a new All-Island ‘eHealth Embark’ programme which will offer early-stage digital health startups on the island of Ireland access to specialised support and development via the dConnect Digital Health Innovation Hub, the Connected Health & Wellbeing Cluster, and the ‘ICT, Health, and Ageing’ Research Centres.

The six-week programme will include hands-on guidance and support to help startups drive innovation in the healthcare industry.

Dundalk IT eHealth Embark programme for Digital Health startups

DkIT will provide mentoring and specialist Masterclasses ranging from customer discovery and validation to assessing market opportunity, and mapping funding and growth steps.

Participants will have access to clinical, regulatory, funding, and business expertise to support the development of innovative product roadmaps and pathways to market. Clinical expertise will be provided by the Royal College of Surgeons Hospital Group (RCSI HG).

As part of the programme, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will provide participants with business and technical training and support to help startups to leverage the latest cloud technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more.

At the end of the programme, participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. A winner will be selected and awarded $100,000 in AWS credits, and access to a free hotdesk at DkIT for six months.

Startups interested in applying for the programme should submit applications via www.ehealth-embark.ie. The deadline for applications is April 13th 2022.

The programme will take place from April 28th to June 9th 2022 and will be delivered online and in person at DkIT, and at AWS’ offices in Dublin.

According to Carl Power, Director of the dConnect Digital Health Innovation Hub, “We are delighted to create this programme and look forward to working with and supporting digital health startups.

“We see this as a great opportunity to support early innovation targeting the healthcare sector and ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of the rapidly expanding sector.

“We are excited to be working with AWS, a global cloud computing provider that already collaborates with the healthcare and life sciences industry both across Ireland and around the world.”

Breanndán Casey is the manager of the new Connected Health Cluster at DkIT which encourages and facilitates increased collaboration between industry, academia, healthcare providers, and enterprise support agencies.

He stated “Connected or Digital Health is a broad area that encompasses everything from electronic patient records, remote monitoring, connected devices, digital therapeutics and more.

“This programme will specifically look at healthcare challenges, and is a great example of cluster members, including dConnect, working with industry to advance the sector.

“AWS’ support will ensure hands-on input to developing robust and scalable technical solutions that clearly address identified healthcare needs. We welcome applications from across the island of Ireland.”

Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at DkIT is encouraging relevant companies to complete the online application or to contact Carl or Breanndán directly to discuss their business idea.

“The CHW Cluster and dConnect have strong support from industry and healthcare. Full details on the modules, support, and prizes are available at www.eHealth-embark.ie, and we’d love to speak directly to companies to assess if the programme is the right fit for their company.

“DkIT has a longstanding reputation for leadership in healthcare, digital health and regulated medical software, and we look forward to working with AWS and a strong cohort of participants.

“DkIT’s research centres, with focused areas of expertise in this domain, include Netwell CASALA, the Regulated Software Research Centre (RSRC) and the Smooth Muscle Research group.

“These centres, with 33 key staff and 27 PhDs, have been at the forefront of internationally recognised research and innovation and will provide valuable support to the programme.”