Over the past several years, Brussels has emerged as a global leader in healthcare innovation, notably through the creation of the Hospital Innovation Centre. This initiative, launched by lifetech.brussels, a sector hub of hub.brussels focusing on medtech, bridges the gap between healthcare providers and cutting-edge medical technologies. The goal is to enhance patient care through collaboration between hospitals and entrepreneurs. Now, two years into the project, the results have been remarkable.
Collaborative innovation during COVID-19
The need for closer collaboration between hospitals and businesses became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare providers were overwhelmed, while companies had potential solutions but lacked mechanisms to connect with hospitals. As Sophie Liénart, Project Coordinator at lifetech.brussels, explained, this challenge spurred the initiative.
In 2022, an open call was issued to all Brussels hospitals, inviting them to participate in pilot projects in collaboration with local entrepreneurs. The Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), which includes Erasmus, Jules Bordet, and the Queen Fabiola Children’s Hospital (HUDERF), answered the call and became a key partner. Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Hospital Innovation Centre began testing innovative solutions in real hospital settings.
Real-world impact: wireless monitoring
One standout success of the project is the replacement of traditional wired monitoring systems with wireless technologies for post-operative patients. This innovation was tested on patients recovering from thoracic and esophageal surgeries at H.U.B. hospitals. The wireless system not only improved patient mobility but also optimized post-operative care and reduced the workload for nurses. Such projects showcase the potential of strong partnerships between healthcare providers and tech developers
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Brussels plans to solidify its status as a healthcare innovation hub with a vision for 2035. This roadmap includes creating best practices, developing resources for other hospitals, and producing inspiring case studies to encourage the adoption of innovation across Europe. Lifetech.brussels also offers a variety of programs, including innovation cafés and speed meetings, to continue fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs.
By supporting the healthcare sector, one of the largest employers in the region, Brussels is not only improving healthcare for its citizens but positioning itself as a leader in health innovation that other European cities can look to as a model.
