The digital health sector has received a boost from the pandemic in the past two years. Digital solutions for medical and health problems are more in demand than ever. Social acceptance of the use of these products has also increased. Digital health products make it possible, for example, to accompany patients by means of long-term ECGs or sensor-based monitoring of the state of health of elderly people in their own homes. But the products are also widespread in the lifestyle sector, for example when it comes to tracking sleep or calorie consumption via smart devices.

The canton of Zurich is one of the most important hotspots for digital health in Switzerland. Around 70 companies and start-ups are already based in the canton. That is about a third of all Swiss companies in this field. With the "digital health centre bülach", which opened today, the industry now has its own hub in the canton of Zurich. "Many digital health innovations come from start-ups that exchange ideas and dare to try out new ways. I am therefore very pleased that we can contribute to better collaboration with the 'digital health centre bülach'," says Head of the Department for Economic Affairs Carmen Walker Späh. Head of the Departement of Health Natalie Rickli adds: "The pandemic has shown that there is a lot of catching up to do in the health sector with regard to digitalisation. Investments in the digitalisation of our healthcare system are important and increase patient safety."

A strong boost towards the digital transformation of the healthcare system

In the "digital health centre bülach", start-ups, established IT service providers and companies from the healthcare industry connect with the aim of jointly developing practical, digital solutions for the healthcare sector. The "digital health centre bülach" is organised as an association that was founded in October 2021. Members of the board are the Bülach Hospital, the Winterthur Cantonal Hospital, the Hirslanden Group, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), the Helsana health insurance company, the Zurich Cantonal Bank, the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich and the City of Bülach. The latter was the initiator of the project. "I am convinced that the mutual inspiration and interdisciplinary collaboration of our members will provide a strong impetus in the digital transformation of the healthcare sector," says Mayor Mark Eberli. He has taken over the presidency of the association.

Already at the start, several start-ups and companies have joined, and over 60 others are expressing interest in becoming members. On 1 April, operations began in temporary offices. The physical proximity is important because it promotes regular and spontaneous exchange among the members. From winter 2023/2024, they will be able to move into the modern offices in the booming Glasi neighbourhood. There, around 120 workstations as well as seminar and workshop rooms will be available on an area of 1,600 square metres.

The direct contact person for start-ups, companies and partners is Stefan Lienhard. The former digital manager of the Schulthess Clinic took over the management of the association in February. "After 100 days, the 'digital health centre bülach' has already become a real affair of the heart for me. It's extremely fun and extremely interesting to experience first-hand the dynamics with which this new, heterogeneous ecosystem is developing," says Stefan Lienhard.