‘Meet the Team’ – Melanie Hartl

Melanie is a technology enthusiast and excited about innovative solutions that have the potential to make a positive impact in society. She has two master’s degrees linking international healthcare, management, finance, and business and a professional experience in operations, sales, customer success and information security. She is the Entrepreneurship Lead of EIT Health Austria since April 2023.

Q: What did you do before you joined EIT Health?
MH: I have a diverse professional background that revolves around technology and healthcare. My previous experience includes working for an AI start-up, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into managing customer relationships, optimising operational processes, and ensuring the security of sensitive information. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work at Novartis, a renowned pharmaceutical company and Partner of EIT Health, where I further developed my knowledge of the healthcare industry. Throughout my career, I have always been driven by a deep passion for healthcare. This passion has been the underlying motivation behind my various roles and responsibilities, as I strive to make a positive impact in this field.

Q: Why did you decide to join EIT Health Austria?
MH: Joining EIT Health Austria is an exciting opportunity for me to continue pursuing my passion and contribute to the advancement of healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. EIT Health provides a platform for collaboration and investment that fosters the growth of promising start-ups and facilitates knowledge exchange. I was attracted by the opportunity to engage with Austria’s thriving healthcare start-up community and leveraging my expertise to accelerate its success. EIT Health’s comprehensive support programmes, funding opportunities, and network of industry experts align perfectly with my goal of driving advancements in healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes.

Q: What is the most interesting innovation project you have worked on?
MH: The most fascinating innovation I’ve worked on is synthetic data. The AI-generated (artificial) datasets mimic the statistical properties of real data while removing any personally identifiable information. This approach offers a privacy-preserving alternative, enabling organisations to conduct the same analytical work as with original data while ensuring the privacy of individuals.

Q:  What advice would you give to Partners/Start-ups and other interested parties seeking to engage in the next innovation call (or any EIT Health Programme)?
MH: Engaging in start-up programmes can be a game-changer for your venture. If you’re unsure about which programme to apply for, I highly recommend reaching out to our team. We are here to help you navigate through the various EIT Health programmes and find the perfect fit for your start-up. Our dedicated team will provide guidance and support, ensuring that you make the most informed decision.

Q: On a different note: what’s the best advice you have ever been given?
MH: The best advice I’ve ever received is from my father. Growing up on a farm, there was always a lot of work to be done. However, my dad had a remarkable ability to turn work into something enjoyable, even when it was tiring and challenging. He taught me that no matter how difficult a task may seem, you can always find a way to make it a little more entertaining. I firmly believe that by injecting a little fun and curiosity into our work, we can not only make it more enjoyable, but also enhance our productivity and sense of fulfilment.

Follow us on LinkedIn for more interviews and most up-to-date information. Do you want to know more about our offer for life science start-ups in Austria? Contact Melanie at melanie.hartl@eithealth.eu right away.