HealthEConnect at IEES 2024: Bridging Ecosystems to Shape the Future of Healthcare

On November 29, Nova SBE hosted “Brunch with Sword Health”, an engaging seminar to introduce new We are excited to share that Leonie Kellner, from our partner BioInnovation Institute (BII), participated in the International Entrepreneurship Education Summit (IEES) 2024 in Stuttgart on November 29th. Leonie presented a Best Practice session titled: “Bridging Ecosystems: Connecting Portugal and Denmark to Shape the Future of Healthcare through Education and Innovation.”

Rising costs, resource pressures, increasing chronic diseases, and an ageing population are placing significant demands on healthcare systems across Europe. These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions and technological advancements to ensure efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking healthcare delivery. Digital transformation, a strategic priority for the EU, holds immense potential to revolutionize healthcare systems and services, bringing them to the next level.

While innovation has largely been driven within traditional healthcare institutions like hospitals and clinics, there is a growing recognition of the role of unconventional players—such as educational institutions and training providers—in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and driving impactful innovation.

The HealthEConnect project is at the forefront of these efforts, creating a stronger bridge between the healthtech innovation ecosystems of Lisbon and the Copenhagen region. By merging Lisbon’s vibrant entrepreneurial energy with Copenhagen’s established leadership in healthcare innovation, this initiative supports the emergence of next-generation healthtech companies and fosters lasting collaboration between the two regions.

In her talk, Leonie Kellner highlighted how students enrolled in the Programme in Healthcare Innovation powered by HealthEConnect are bringing theoretical insights into real-world scenarios. By developing their work projects in Danish startups, students gain hands-on experience, applying their academic knowledge to tangible challenges within the healthcare sector. This immersive approach equips them with the skills to address Europe’s healthcare challenges and drive meaningful innovation.

Through this collaboration, HealthEConnect continues to build bridges between ecosystems, strengthening partnerships, and empowering the next generation of healthcare innovators in Portugal and Denmark.

We are proud to have had Leonie represent this innovative approach at IEES 2024, showcasing the power of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship in transforming healthcare for the better!