The pace of digital innovation in healthcare has accelerated exponentially over the past decade. For anyone keenly observing technology-based innovation from afar, with a wider view on the industry, they will have seen that particularly during tougher economic times, entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists work harder than ever to provide innovative solutions for more efficient healthcare delivery. Economic strain equals the need for cost savings, and cost savings often require solutions that come from thinking out of the box.

Previously, innovation in healthcare has centered on the development of new diagnostic procedures, therapies, drugs, or medical devices, however, today, innovation is playing a more vital role in areas such as personalised medicine and more efficient technology-enabled care models.

There is no doubt that healthcare will experience significant disruptive innovation over the next few years creating new possibilities and opportunities for traditional healthcare companies and medical device manufacturers to thrive, as well as for new startups and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark on the industry. In fact, according to StartUp Health Insight’s year-end report, digital health startups raised US$ 11.5 billion in 2017, up 27% from 2016.

With many startup companies launching solutions for messaging, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and organisational structure, investors will be keeping a close eye on the developments in this space over the next few years.