BIH Digital Health Accelerator

The broad spectrum of disciplines represented, unmet needs addressed, digital technologies used, and concrete areas of application ranging from prevention to prediction, diagnostics, therapy, and management to stakeholder empowerment and public health are evidence of the immense innovation potential. As a result, the supported project teams generate innovative digital health solutions that benefit patients and our society.

Program Overview

The BIH Digital Health Accelerator Program supports all employees from research and clinical departments of the Charité including the BIH in developing digital health solutions from their innovative ideas and transferring them to patients in medical applications or to the healthcare market.

Our working definition of Digital Health is the convergence of digital technologies such as 3D printing, augmented/mixed/virtual reality, machine learning/artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors and software with life sciences and healthcare. While the boundary with medical technology, diagnostics, etc. is sometimes blurred; key is the presence of digital technology and data use as core components of the innovation.

Participating project teams advance through the Digital Health Accelerator program along a structured process for iterative product development supported by:

• Funding (including Protected Time for a fraction of time off from the clinic).
• Mentoring by high-profile national and international experts
• Access to networks (talents, development partners, industry, investors)
• Interdisciplinary BIH DHA team
• BIH Digital Labs co-working space near the Charité Campus Mitte.

The BIH Digital Health Accelerator program is structured into two stages.

DHA Stage 1: Prototype (6 months)

Funded project teams develop their ideas and concepts into digital health prototypes. In addition, key topic areas such as medical need, technology/data, market and competition, IP, regulatory aspects, legal aspects, business models and market potential (monetary and non-monetary/societal benefits) are analyzed and worked on in detail.

DHA Stage 2: Product (project-specific)

Project teams selected for this stage develop market-ready digital health technologies, products, new ventures if aspired, and prepare for market launch. If needed, teams are supported in rounding out their teams by adding complementary profiles.

In the case of an intended spin-off formation, the recruitment of co-founders, the development of strategy, business model and the future venture, as well as spin-off preparation, including support in the acquisition of follow-up financing, are also pursued.

The goal is transfer to application or market, e.g., through licensing, industry cooperation, or spin-off formation.

The development and transfer of Digital Health innovations is only achieved through the interaction of complementary disciplines. We therefore cordially invite you to contribute to the continued success of the BIH Digital Health Accelerator program – whether as a participant from Charité including BIH, partner institution for cooperation projects, mentor, freelancer, development partner company, co-founder, industry partner, or investor. We look forward to getting in touch with you.