Digitalisation of health care has accelerated in recent years due to converging forces across technology, demographics and economics. Even years ago, the cost of sensors and computing power was falling while smartphone adoption was soaring, making remote monitoring and telemedicine feasible.
Health systems are grappling with ageing populations and rising rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. These long‑term trends put enormous pressure on the workforce and budgets, creating demand for digital tools that can deliver care more efficiently and empower patients.
Consumer expectations also shifted: people accustomed to on‑demand services in retail and banking began to expect similar convenience from health providers. Start‑ups responded with apps that let people order lab tests from home or manage treatment plans via their phones.
Meanwhile, regulators began to modernise frameworks. In Europe, initiatives like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, introduced in 2016, established standards for data security while national governments created reimbursement pathways for digital therapeutics. Investors took note; venture capital funding into digital health grew rapidly during the mid‑2010s.
For those seeking to build sustainable digital health businesses, understanding these drivers is essential. Our article on why saving lives is not enough in Europe’s digital health ecosystem highlights the need for viable business models, while our perspective on whether Europe can nurture a digital health unicorn explores the funding environment.
Looking ahead, the convergence of artificial intelligence, genomics and advanced sensors will deepen the digital transformation. Policymakers and investors must continue to support innovation while ensuring equitable access and robust data protections.
To understand the funding dynamics in more detail, see our article exploring whether Europe is ready for a digital health unicorn.
He has invested in startups including American Well, Neuronation, Mimi, and most notably mySugr – which was recently acquired by Roche. Min-Sung is also a contributing writer for mediums including TechCrunch and Tech.EU and studied Business Economics at Witten/Herdecke, Harvard, St.Gallen, and in Seoul.