How 5 EIT Health start-ups are driving big data innovations in healthcare

The role of health data in driving innovation | Start-up showcase: Big data examples in action | Overcoming challenges in big data healthcare | The future of big data in healthcare and EIT Health’s role | Join our upcoming Masterclass – The Impact of the European Health Data Space Legislation in Data and AI.

Big data is transforming the healthcare landscape, offering new possibilities in patient care, diagnostics, and operational efficiency. By leveraging vast amounts of health information, medical professionals can make more informed decisions, predict disease patterns, and improve patient outcomes.[1]

As a key driver of healthcare innovation in Europe, EIT Health is dedicated to advancing the responsible and effective use of big data in healthcare. Through strategic funding, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, we support start-ups that are leveraging health data to transform patient care and healthcare delivery. In this article, we highlight a selection of EIT Health-backed start-ups that are harnessing big data to pioneer solutions in predictive analytics, precision medicine, and operational efficiency.

The role of health data in driving innovation

Health data encompasses a wide range of information, from electronic health records (EHRs) and genomic sequences to wearable device readings and real-time patient monitoring. Start-ups are tapping into these data sources to develop predictive analytics models, enhance personalised medicine, and streamline healthcare operations.[2]

Despite its potential, harnessing health data comes with challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory compliance, and interoperability between systems. However, with the right frameworks and innovations, the opportunities outweigh the obstacles, paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system.[3]

Start-up showcase: Big data examples in action

Below are some EIT Health-supported start-ups making an impact with big data:

BLiiNK: Leveraging big data for digital well-being

BLiiNK is dedicated to transforming digital interactions into actionable health insights, promoting healthier screen habits to prevent chronic issues such as eye strain and musculoskeletal discomfort. The rise in screen time has led to increasing cases of digital eye strain and posture-related back pain. Most existing solutions focus on treatment rather than prevention.

Big data in action: BLiiNK employs AI-driven analytics and real-time monitoring to evaluate a user’s posture, screen distance, and blink rate. By processing these metrics locally on the PC, it provides tailored corrective actions to reduce discomfort, while also recommending targeted exercises for specific muscle groups as well as overall wellbeing

Early results show a 20% reduction in eye strain incidents, a 45% improvement in posture compliance, and a 10% increase in productivity by minimising discomfort-related interruptions. Additionally, an ongoing study, evaluated by the Public Health department of the University of Innsbruck, is examining the long-term benefits of using the app and the results will be published soon.

Some key challenges to using data include ensuring data privacy under strict regulations like GDPR, driving user adoption in a fast-paced digital space, and securing early-stage funding in the competitive health tech sector. BLiiNK overcame these by designing a privacy-first app that operates entirely locally, giving users full control over their data. To enhance engagement, they implemented user-centric customisation, allowing seamless integration into daily routines. For funding, grants were secured from the Ministry of High-tech Industry of Armenian, GIZ, and STAN angel investment, enabling the company to develop their technology on MacOS and Windows and already have more than 1000 downloads.

EIT Health has provided BLiiNK with valuable learning opportunities and credibility in the health tech space. Moving forward, BLiiNK aims to leverage EIT Health’s extensive network to connect with strategic partners and investors who share their vision for preventive digital health.

CheckEye: AI-powered early detection for chronic diseases

CheckEye is dedicated to revolutionising early detection of chronic diseases through AI-powered retinal image analysis. By leveraging big data and AI, CheckEye aims to make diagnostics more accessible, prevent severe complications, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, remain among the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. With over 67 million people in Europe projected to be living with diabetes by 2030 [4], early diagnosis is more critical than ever. Traditional screening methods can be time-consuming and inaccessible, particularly in underserved regions.

Big data in action: CheckEye’s AI-driven platform analyses retinal images to detect diabetic retinopathy and other conditions in just 15 seconds. The system employs predictive analytics to assess health risks, achieving 95%+ diagnostic accuracy. The AI model is trained on diverse datasets, with expert annotation provided by the Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy in Odesa, Ukraine, ensuring clinically validated results. The impact has been undeniable.

• 5,000+ screenings conducted in pilot programmes.
• Up to 30% of patients identified with previously undiagnosed conditions.
• Drastically reduced diagnostic time, improving access to early detection and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

EIT Health has been instrumental in supporting CheckEye’s growth, providing access to leading mentors, networking opportunities, and participation in high-impact accelerator programmes and the EIT Health InnoStars Awards. These initiatives have helped CheckEye refine its market strategy, navigate regulatory challenges, and build essential partnerships with key stakeholders in the European health ecosystem.

BrainTrip: Addressing brain health with AI

BrainTrip aims to make brain health assessments accessible, objective, and scalable through AI-enhanced EEG technology. By enabling early detection of dementia, BrainTrip empowers general practitioners, clinics, and researchers with an easy-to-use and affordable screening tool, addressing the challenge that 75% of dementia cases go undiagnosed.[5]

Traditional cognitive screening methods are often subjective, time-consuming, and reliant on specialised personnel. Millions of people suffer from undiagnosed cognitive decline, leading to delayed treatment, increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life.

Big data in action: BrainTrip’s NeuroAI platform processes large-scale EEG datasets using machine learning to:

• Automate EEG cleaning and artifact removal.
• Identify spectral EEG biomarkers predictive of cognitive impairment.
• Generate rapid, objective cognitive scores.

Their impact is big. The solution achieves 95% diagnostic accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment. It offers a 30-minute cognitive assessment, significantly reducing the time compared to traditional 1–2-hour neuropsychological tests. With over 2,000 tests performed, ongoing clinical validation studies continue to support its effectiveness.

Implementing big data solutions in healthcare comes with significant challenges, and BrainTrip has encountered several along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was regulatory compliance, particularly obtaining the CE mark for medical device certification and ensuring GDPR compliance when handling patient data. Additionally, healthcare adoption barriers posed a challenge, as convincing clinicians to shift from traditional cognitive screening methods to AI-driven EEG assessments required strong evidence and trust-building. Another key obstacle was interoperability, as integrating EEG-based diagnostics with electronic health records (EHRs) and hospital systems demanded seamless compatibility.

To overcome these challenges, BrainTrip pursued rigorous clinical validation, partnering with neurologists, geriatricians, and researchers to demonstrate the effectiveness of CogniScore. This validation ultimately led to CE certification, proving the reliability of the technology.

To encourage adoption, the team focused on educating healthcare professionals about the benefits of EEG-based screening. Finally, to address interoperability concerns, BrainTrip developed EHR integration tools, making it easier for hospitals and clinics to incorporate their solution into existing systems.

EIT Health has been instrumental in BrainTrip’s growth, providing:

• Mentorship in AI healthcare, regulatory affairs, and medical business development.
• Networking opportunities with clinicians, investors, and strategic partners.
• Investor readiness support, helping refine business strategies and attract funding.

Longenesis: Using big data to provide personalised therapy and better outcomes

Longenesis, is committed to accelerating the time it takes for therapies to reach patients and enabling cross-border research through the power of data and applied AI models. With the healthcare industry grappling with lengthy drug development timelines and limited data access for registered therapies to reach patients in need faster, Longenesis offers a transformative solution to streamline research and improve patient outcomes.

Big data in action: Longenesis harnesses the power of multi-channel and multi-source data, combining patient and healthcare provider-reported information with lab, diagnostic, and therapy data. This approach allows for the real-time identification of patients in need of specific therapies and personalised support throughout their treatment journey.

By utilising AI models, Longenesis enhances patient engagement, supports therapeutic outcomes, and provides insights into predictive modelling within therapeutic areas. Their technology has already empowered over 950,000 patients across various fields, including oncology, cardiometabolic, women’s health and neurology, and has contributed to major initiatives like the pan-EU Cancer Screening programme and the Emirati Genome Programme.

Some key challenges Longenesis has faced include navigating fragmented data across countries, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and addressing data privacy concerns. They have overcome these challenges by prioritising an ethics-by-design approach, ensuring that all data stays local, thus empowering healthcare professionals and respecting patient privacy.

EIT Health has played a crucial role in Longenesis’ growth and success through –

• Funding support: In 2020, Longenesis participated in an EIT Health accelerator programme, winning €40,000.
• Recognition: The start-up secured second place in the Digital Health category of the 2023 EIT Health Catapult programme, also winning an Industry Award by Amazon Web Services.
• Networking opportunities: EIT Health has provided Longenesis with a platform to build new partnerships and showcase their solutions to a wider audience.
• Investment attraction: Following EIT Health support, Longenesis has raised approximately €2.5 million in investments, including a $1.2 million seed funding round in 2021.

Owkin: Understanding complex biology through agentic AI

Owkin is on a mission to apply agentic AI’s capability to explore biology in ways never before possible, connecting the dots to accelerate the breakthrough discoveries patients urgently need.

Big data in action: Owkin leverages AI to analyse vast patient datasets securely, uncovering insights from a variety of data modalities and sources. Through partnerships with top hospitals and researchers, Owkin is making strides in oncology, cardiovascular care, neurology, and immunology. The MOSAIC initiative is one of their key projects, aiming to create the world’s largest spatial multiomics dataset for cancer research. Owkin’s data includes clinical records, genomic sequencing, histology, and more, enabling them to improve diagnostics and speed up drug discovery with greater precision.

One notable achievement is MSIntuit® CRC, an AI tool that helps pathologists diagnose colorectal cancer more efficiently by streamlining MSI testing. This CE-marked product reduces lab workload, speeds up diagnosis, and improves patient care. Owkin has tackled regulatory hurdles and data privacy concerns by pioneering federated learning technology. This approach ensures that patient data remains on-site while enabling secure collaboration across institutions globally. In 2021, Owkin joined EIT Health’s accelerator programme, receiving personalised mentorship and resources to accelerate development.

Overcoming challenges in big data healthcare

While big data holds immense promise, several obstacles must be addressed:

• Data privacy and security: Start-ups must ensure compliance with strict regulations like GDPR while safeguarding patient confidentiality. Maintaining secure, privacy-preserving data practices is essential for gaining trust and enabling responsible AI-driven healthcare solutions.
• Regulatory hurdles: Navigating complex legal frameworks governing health data remains a major challenge, with national and EU policies requiring careful adaptation.
• Interoperability and data integration: The ability to merge data across fragmented healthcare systems is crucial for generating meaningful insights.
• Data quality and standardisation: Ensuring accurate, complete, and harmonised datasets is key to maximising AI’s potential in healthcare.

In Europe, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) legislation which has recently come into force, and is now to be implemented by member states, is tackling key barriers such as data privacy, regulatory complexity, and fragmented healthcare systems. By promoting cross-border data access, interoperability, and compliance with strict security standards, when implemented effectively EHDS will enable start-ups and researchers to harness big data more effectively – accelerating AI-driven diagnostics, improving patient care, and fostering innovation across the healthcare ecosystem.

The successful implementation of the EHDS promises to benefit start-ups, and power healthcare innovation in numerous ways. BrainTrip, for instance, would benefit from streamlined regulatory compliance for medical device certification across Europe and reduced barriers to market entry. Their EEG-based technology, for example, relies on access to large-scale, high-quality datasets – something EHDS could facilitate by promoting cross-border data sharing and improving the consistency of medical data.

Owkin would benefit from standardised health data exchange, enabling seamless multinational research collaborations and improving AI-driven diagnostics. Similarly, the implementation of the EHDS would support CheckEye by improving integration with healthcare systems, fostering early disease detection, and accelerating AI adoption across Europe.

The future of big data in healthcare and EIT Health’s role

The EHDS is set to revolutionise healthcare by enabling secure, seamless access to health data across EU member states. Once implemented, this legislation will improve patient care, accelerate research, and foster innovation by creating a standardised framework for data sharing. By ensuring interoperability and compliance with regulations, EHDS will empower healthcare organisations, researchers, and startups to harness big data for transformative advancements.

EIT Health’s Think Tank has provided strategic recommendations to support the effective implementation of the EHDS across Europe. The result of a series of roundtables which sought the input of stakeholders from across Europe, our Think Tank report, “Implementing the European Health Data Space across Europe”, leverages the insights of our network to help unblock the path to implementation.

The report reveals the hurdles and solutions across six crucial implementation dimensions: governance, capacity and skills, resources and funding, data quality, the relationship between primary and secondary data, and the creation of a data-driven culture in healthcare. By illuminating the path to EHDS implementation and specifying the actions needed from the key actors involved in implementation, this Think Tank report helps ensure that those in our network with a role to play in making the vision of this legislation a reality, are empowered to take concrete steps towards this.

Our continued work to support start-ups ensures that they are well-positioned to capitalise on the emerging opportunities that health data sharing offers, driving forward digital health innovation and improving healthcare outcomes across Europe. Through continued support, collaboration, and advocacy, EIT Health remains committed to fostering health data-driven innovations that improve patient outcomes and transform the healthcare landscape.

Want to know more?

To really get the full picture of the opportunities EHDS is opening up for start-ups, researchers, and healthcare providers across Europe, join our upcoming Masterclass – The Impact of the European Health Data Space Legislation in Data and AI.

Date: Tuesday 29 April, 11 AM CET

 

[1] European Commission. (2023). Big Data Highlights – September 2023. https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/ema/newsletter-archives/47969

[2] One OECD. Progress on implementing and using electronic health data. https://one.oecd.org/document/DELSA/HEA/WD/HWP%282023%2912/en/pdf

[3] European Commission. European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS). https://health.ec.europa.eu/ehealth-digital-health-and-care/european-health-data-space-regulation-ehds_en

[4] International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas. IDF Diabetes Atlas. (Accessed on 02 April 2025).

[5] Alzheimer’s Disease International. Over 41 million cases of dementia go undiagnosed across the globe – World Alzheimer Report reveals | Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). (Accessed on 02 April 2025).