On 28 November, the Latvian centre of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s health-focused Knowledge and Innovation Community (EIT Health) will host this year’s second Morning Health Talks event. This time, building on the issues raised during the previous Morning Health Talks session, the discussion will focus on “The Missing Link in Creating Successful Healthcare Innovations – Data Pilot Projects.”

Although opportunities to attract funding have expanded significantly in recent years, the number of healthcare startups in Latvia and the level of innovation within institutions still lag notably behind other European countries. This year, Lithuania published a data pilot project designed for early-stage startups using secondary health data. The aim of the event is to explore how similar initiatives could be developed in Latvia and to identify practical steps that could help create a more open, collaborative and long-term value-driven health innovation ecosystem.

Register for online participation

The event will open with a presentation from the Lithuanian pilot project team, offering insights into the key factors involved in developing such an initiative. This will be followed by a panel discussion with experts. The discussion will take place in English to allow Lithuanian colleagues to participate. Attendees will have the opportunity to join the conversation, share their experiences and, at the end of the event, continue discussions in an informal setting over a delicious late breakfast.

Discussion participants: 

• Dins Šmits, founder and CEO of MeDi Group, Founder and board member of Prof. Skrides Heart Clinic;
• Alīna Dūdele, Head of the Family Medicine Division at the Methodological Management Centre, Riga Stradiņš University;
• Emils Sundjukovs, CEO of “Longenesis” and digital health expert;
• Olevs Nikers, Senior Biomedical Expert at the Ministry of Economics’ Department of Business Competitiveness.

The discussion will be moderated by Voldemārs Brēdiķis, entrepreneur and business angel specializing in science-intensive (deeptech) in technology, education and productivity.

Morning Health Talks traditionally brings together high-level specialists, decision-makers and leaders from the start-up sector, encouraging dialogue on the development of healthcare innovations and the challenges faced by start-ups, researchers, medical institutions and the sector as a whole. The event is organised by the EIT Health office in Latvia, located at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU).

Pasākuma programma:

In-person attendance is limited. If you would like to join the event on site, please contact luizemadara[pnkts]ziedinarsu[pnkts]lv.