Big data is increasingly integrated into healthcare, supporting advances in diagnostics, treatment personalisation and operational efficiency. Across Europe, early-stage companies are applying data-driven approaches to improve health outcomes and streamline care delivery. EIT Health—a European network supported by the EU to foster healthcare innovation—plays a key role by providing funding, mentoring and access to collaborative networks. By enabling the development of responsible and effective data solutions, EIT Health contributes to a healthcare landscape that is more connected, informed and responsive.
Health Data as a Driver of Innovation
The potential of health data spans a wide range of applications, from predictive modelling and personalised medicine to system-level efficiency improvements. Start-ups are increasingly using information from electronic health records, genomic data, wearable devices and clinical imaging to inform decision-making and design new tools for healthcare professionals.
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While the opportunities are substantial, progress depends on addressing several persistent challenges. These include data protection regulations, inconsistent system interoperability and the complexity of working across different healthcare infrastructures. Nonetheless, many start-ups are developing approaches that enable them to work within existing frameworks while delivering solutions that improve patient outcomes and clinical workflows.
Start-up Activity: Applying Big Data in Healthcare Settings
Several EIT Health-supported start-ups are demonstrating the practical applications of big data across different areas of healthcare:
BLiiNK has developed a privacy-focused application that monitors screen time behaviour to promote healthier digital habits. By analysing metrics such as blink rate and posture using on-device AI, the platform provides users with tailored recommendations to reduce strain and improve well-being. With over 1,000 downloads and support from various funding sources, the solution has shown early signs of effectiveness and user adoption.
CheckEye uses AI to analyse retinal images for early signs of chronic diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. The platform delivers results in approximately 15 seconds and has demonstrated a high level of diagnostic accuracy. By increasing access to early detection, particularly in underserved areas, the start-up aims to support more timely interventions. EIT Health has contributed to its development through accelerator programmes and strategic guidance.
BrainTrip focuses on cognitive health by offering an AI-supported EEG platform for the early identification of dementia. The system enables quicker and more objective assessments compared to traditional methods. Achieving CE certification and integrating with existing clinical systems, BrainTrip has addressed some of the key barriers to adoption and scalability. EIT Health has supported the start-up through mentorship and investor readiness programmes.
Longenesis provides tools that facilitate real-time patient identification and personalised treatment support by integrating data from multiple sources. Its platform is used in areas such as oncology and women’s health and supports initiatives like the Emirati Genome Programme. Ethical data handling and localisation strategies have enabled the company to meet regulatory requirements and protect patient privacy.
Owkin employs federated learning and AI to explore complex biomedical data without transferring it from its original location. This model allows for research collaboration while maintaining data privacy. The company’s work includes the development of MSIntuit® CRC, a diagnostic tool for colorectal cancer, and participation in the MOSAIC initiative. Support from EIT Health has helped Owkin accelerate product development and engage with regulatory processes.
These start-ups illustrate how big data can be used in practical settings to support diagnosis, prevention, treatment and patient engagement.
Implementation Challenges and the Role of Regulation
The effective use of big data in healthcare continues to face several systemic barriers:
Data protection and compliance: Meeting legal obligations such as GDPR while managing sensitive health data remains a central concern.
System fragmentation: Differences in healthcare systems and data formats hinder interoperability and reduce the value of shared insights.
Standardisation and data quality: Inconsistent or incomplete datasets limit the reliability of data-driven tools.
Regulatory complexity: Start-ups often require support to navigate the policy landscape and access different European markets.
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) aims to address many of these issues by establishing common standards and facilitating secure, cross-border data exchange. By promoting interoperability and supporting both primary and secondary use of data, the EHDS could enable more consistent access to quality datasets and reduce barriers for new solutions.
Start-ups such as BrainTrip and Owkin may benefit from a more harmonised regulatory environment and broader data access, while CheckEye’s integration with clinical systems could become more efficient under unified standards. The implementation of the EHDS is likely to be a significant factor in supporting the scalability and adoption of data-driven healthcare innovations.
Big data is already contributing to changes in healthcare delivery and decision-making, and EIT Health-supported start-ups are playing a role in this transition. Through practical applications across areas including cognitive health, chronic disease detection and personalised medicine, these ventures demonstrate how data can be used to improve both clinical outcomes and system performance.
As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, particularly through the introduction of the EHDS, start-ups will have new opportunities to scale their innovations and integrate with broader healthcare systems. EIT Health’s ongoing support helps these organisations navigate technical, regulatory and market challenges, positioning them to contribute to the future of healthcare across Europe.
Source: EIT Health
Image Credit: iStock
