TeamUp X Health Event
The TeamUp X Health event brought together numerous experts from the healthcare sector, experienced entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and other interested individuals at Algebra University.
The event was organized by Smion as part of the AI2MED project, and the project consortium consists of 11 partners from 7 different countries.
The goals of the AI2MED project are to integrate artificial intelligence into medical practice, which would revolutionize diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, and to conduct training programs to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare. In the end, the goal is a project to transform the healthcare system to make it more precise, efficient and accessible to everyone.
The first task for all attendees was to meet three people, using provided questions about personal experiences with artificial intelligence in their private and professional lives as conversation starters.
PhD Maja Brkljačić from Algebra University presented the AI2MED project, which she leads.
Panel Discussion “AI in Healthcare”
The central part of the event was a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in healthcare and the impact of the EU AI Act on its application in the sector.
Participants included Asst. Prof. Andrija Štajduhar, PhD from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Goran Klepac, PhD from Algebra University, Marko Švaco, PhD from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, and Katarina Gvozdanović from the Teaching Institute for Public Health “Dr. Andrija Štampar”. The panel was moderated by Bernard Ivezić from Unicorn Underground.
The moderator started by discussing public perception regarding the development and integration of AI in daily life, including healthcare. It was noted that over 100 million euros were invested in Croatian startups in the first quarter of 2024, making it one of the top three quarters for startup investments in Croatia’s history. Technology sectors, many integrating AI, are rapidly developing, with high expectations for AI applications, especially in Croatia.
Panelists highlighted Croatia’s favorable environment for AI-based companies due to the lack of strict regulations. However, with the introduction of the EU AI Act, some rules will be implemented. Panelists agreed that regulations can be beneficial as long as they don’t hinder innovation and ensure individual protection.
Maintaining a positive attitude towards AI among lawmakers, doctors, and patients is essential.
Katarina Gvozdanović emphasized that AI in healthcare isn’t just about clinical applications (like robots performing complex surgeries). It can also handle simpler tasks like administrative work, especially where there are no ethical issues, contributing to significant savings in public health.
Andrija Štajduhar and Marko Švaco noted that their faculties have introduced elective courses and specializations in AI, which have been met with great interest, with full enrollment.
Potential challenges include misunderstanding of AI by non-technical people, lack of education among older populations, and public distrust. However, with proper education and existing potential, algorithms, and technology, much can be achieved.
AI could soon perform tasks such as real-time health monitoring, drug creation, personalized therapy through genetic analysis, and adherence tracking, showing potential across the entire drug lifecycle, concluded Katarina Gvozdanović.
Startup Pitches and Open Positions
After the panel, attendees could listen to pitches from health startups seeking collaborators, co-founders, and employees, followed by networking opportunities to discuss collaboration, opportunities, and idea exchange. Three teams presented their ideas and open positions.
CRTA (Regional Center of Excellence for Robotic Technology) is hiring researchers for PRONOBIS and ANDROMEDA projects, a project administrator, and an EU project coordinator.
Contact: crta@fsb.hr
MediBoost is addressing the issue of early rehospitalization by optimizing patient discharge decisions, improving healthcare quality. They are looking for an MLOps engineer. You can also read a conversation with this team.
Contact: mediboost.ai@gmail.com
SeniorSOS.help tackles social isolation and health monitoring for elderly individuals living alone and is seeking an AI expert for language models. The team also participated in our Forward to Health Innovation program, where they developed their innovative entrepreneurial idea. Read more.
Contact: ashorvat@geld.hr
About TeamUp x Health Project
TeamUp supports startups in finding initial employees and co-founders, offering the public insight into innovation areas developing in Croatia.
Learn more about our projects.
If you need support in designing and implementing similar programs for entrepreneurs or ecosystem development activities in your industry or area, contact us for a free consultation to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Follow us on our social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) and subscribe to our Newsletter.
