Our Global Health Connector Partners Programme returned to HLTH Europe this June with an energising series of sessions, conversations and connections that put collaboration, innovation and impact at the centre of health transformation.
Empowering dialogue on the European Health Data Space (EHDS)
One of the standout moments was the all-female panel moderated by Karolina Mackiewicz, exploring the future of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) with expert voices: Aneta Tyszkiewicz, Maria Bäcklund-Hassel, Verena Thaler and Elina Drakvik.
Far from being a distant concept, EHDS is already reshaping how health data is accessed and used across Europe — both for primary use (EHRs) and secondary use (innovation and research). As Karolina summarised, success depends on collaboration and engagement, and as Elina Drakvik highlighted, the time to prepare is now.
From trust and transparency to clear rules and communication, the panel addressed key implementation challenges and shared tools to support the ecosystem — including the xShare project, the Yellow Button initiative, and the upcoming TEHDAS2 public consultation.
Startups on stage: Innovation in motion
Our Start-up Showcase featured 14 emerging companies presenting bold solutions in AI diagnostics, patient engagement, mental health, wearables and fertility tech. The diversity and relevance of the ideas showed just how dynamic the global digital health ecosystem has become.
Congratulations to Jesper Thuestad Jacobsen from Mode Sensors, winner of the ECHAlliance Pitching Session at HLTH Europe! Mode Sensors stood out for their innovation, potential to scale, and real-world impact — earning them the top prize: a complimentary exhibition pod at the 4YFN Health Zone at MWC Barcelona 2026, one of the world’s most influential startup launchpads.
With over 1,000 exhibitors and a top-3 focus on health and wellness, 4YFN connects high-potential startups with investors, hospitals, pharma, and global tech leaders — making it the perfect platform to accelerate Mode Sensors’ next chapter.
A big thank you to all the startups who pitched, our expert judging panel, and the audience who brought the energy to Room G104.
Reflections from our team
For Andy Bleaden, Director of Ecosystems and Membership at ECHAlliance, HLTH Europe provided a valuable opportunity to activate our network in person:
“It was about showcasing excellence from our members, connecting them live on the show floor, and bringing ecosystems together in ways we hadn’t done before — to plan, collaborate and build.”
For Karolina Mackievicz, Innovation Director at ECHAlliance: “It was fantastic to bring s high-quality discussion on European Health Data Space to our community, confirming just how many stakeholders are seeking clarity on the EHDS — and we remain committed to supporting them with knowledge and engagement.”
Bleddyn Rees, Chair of The Digital Health Society, also shared his three key takeaways:
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Meeting people
“The power and value of face-to-face meetings is far superior to virtual ones — easy to forget until you’re there. The number of people I reconnected with after years was invaluable. The HLTH App helps plan, but the serendipitous encounters are a huge bonus.”
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Intelligence gathering
“Listening to what companies are saying about market conditions and testing your own assumptions is incredibly helpful.”
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Business opportunities
“It was great to see HLTH Europe grow in attendance and offer real opportunities to win new business and expand networks. Like many attendees, we left with a long list of follow-ups.”
What’s next?
We’re now looking ahead to HLTH Las Vegas, where we will once again activate the Global Village — a space designed to connect ecosystems, partners and innovators from across the world.
We will continue building on the conversations started in Amsterdam and strengthening our global community of changemakers. Because better health for everyone, everywhere, can’t wait.
