Perhaps the biggest wild card is Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House and the nomination of several candidates who have suggested that they will reinvent Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—key agencies that set the agenda for public health and innovation.

The second unknown is the thin line separating misinformation from disinformation.  Historically, we looked to public health scientists to guide us.  Now, we are uncertain who to trust regarding health information.  Advice:  Do not rely on “X” as a fact-checking source – it’s merely noise.  But can you trust significant news sources, C-Suite execs, or elected officials?  It’s hard to say.  There is a vast divide between an honest mistake and willful deception. When it comes to health, do your homework – always!

A third factor must be included in the many 2024 health rankings and “Top 10” analyses that will appear in the days ahead. Our planet’s and people’s health are deeply intertwined. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events are not just environmental concerns but public health emergencies. These factors disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbating chronic conditions like asthma, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Addressing these challenges requires health professionals to embrace a broader perspective, recognizing that the fight for cleaner air, sustainable food systems, and resilient communities is inseparable from the mission to improve individual health outcomes.

Here are 10 health-sector developments—not ranked—to watch in the coming year, determined by media coverage, reader interest, and personal interest. These “10” could be Top Hundreds or Thousands. Happily, there were many advancements in 2024 to applaud. Yet, the pain points, too, are many. There are many publication lists to check – reviewing many is worthwhile. What is most important is to reflect on the needs of people and planet and commit to make a difference. The planet doesn’t need people. People need the planet. Equally so, people need each other.

This list’s topics were selected using data from global news outlets, academic publications, press releases, analytics platforms like Google Trends, and social media engagement metrics. While the list reflects the broad measure of public interest, it provides an overview of some of the positive and most worrisome health shifts and signals of what lies ahead.

1. AI-Powered Diagnostics Revolutionize Early Detection

Augmented implementation (AKA artificial intelligence) will redefine diagnostics in the years ahead. AI is poised to redefine diagnostics, with breakthroughs in the early detection of diseases like pancreatic cancer offering unprecedented accuracy and saving lives. Recent breakthroughs set the stage for broader adoption of AI in detecting other cancers and chronic diseases in 2025 and beyond, enticing the biopharma sector to interest in clinical trials to develop treatments for these deadly cancers.  This is a prime example of where AI can become a tipping point for earlier interventions and better patient outcomes globally.

2. India Leadership in Affordable Vaccine Development

India is quietly solidifying a reputation as the “pharmacy of the world” through several initiatives, such as launching a low-cost universal flu vaccine. Developed through a groundbreaking public-private partnership, this vaccine leverages advanced mRNA technology to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple flu strains. By prioritizing affordability and accessibility, the initiative aims to protect millions of people in low- and middle-income countries, showcasing a scalable model for addressing global health inequities.

India has all the pieces to become a more significant player in the life science innovation puzzle – talent, scientific rigor, and an open-minded government willing to align its drug regulatory system with the world’s gold standard – the Food and Drug Administration.

India’s new rare disease center in New Delhi addresses critical global health gaps, setting a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. Keep an eye on future developments from India to the world and investments from US-based life science companies in India’s strong talent base.

3. Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

A novel gene-editing therapy targeting the APOE4 gene variant in the United States shows promise in addressing Alzheimer’s progression, and three new drugs were approved in the United Kingdom that may slow down memory decline in early Alzheimer’s disease. This continuing commitment by life science companies to invest in Alzheimer’s treatments after waves of disappointments could mark a turning point in one of the most vexing and worrisome neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, long-standing preventive disease pioneer Dean Ornish, MD, Founder and President of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute, has shown a possible pathway to reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms without medication. Ornish’s research on lifestyle interventions—emphasizing diet, exercise, and stress management—gained significant attention in 2024 and highlights the role of holistic approaches in improving cognitive health. His pathway does not dismiss using prescription medicine. Leading medical minds and consumers’ minds should take lifestyle medicine seriously.  It’s not the first time that Dr. Ornish has been proven right.

4. United Kingdom Moves Toward Digital Health Leadership

The United Kingdom launched a nationwide digital health initiative integrating wearable technology with its revered National Health Service (NHS). By enabling people to track chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension in real-time, the initiative enhances patient engagement and accelerates preventive care delivery. Early results indicate improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. Looking ahead, 2025 could see the expansion of this initiative to include predictive analytics, further enhancing preventative care and patient empowerment.

UK Finance Minister/Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in 2024 that the government is increasing the national health budget by US$29.33bn, a significant increase in NHS resourcing. Increased investment in infrastructure, technology and patient care position the United Kingdom as a launching point for new biomedical research and innovation waves.

5. Cancer Vaccines Gain Momentum

Personalized cancer vaccines emerged as a game-changing innovation in oncology. These vaccines train the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells based on the unique genetic mutations in an individual’s tumor, offering a highly tailored approach to treatment. A U.S.-based biotech company reported successful Phase 3 trial results for a melanoma vaccine, demonstrating significant reductions in recurrence rates.  

One promising example is the Moderna and Merck mRNA-based vaccine program for adjuvant treatment of high-risk melanoma. In Phase IIb results, the therapy showed a 44 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence or death compared to Merck blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda alone. Ongoing trials are exploring its efficacy in combating other cancers, such as lung and breast cancer. These are rigorous clinical programs with all the scientific peer-review requirements of a new medication.

6. America Begins to Take Serious Note of Obesity

The United States has finally begun to address obesity as a serious health concern. New policies and initiatives have been implemented to combat this epidemic, including improved access to nutrition education, increased funding for obesity research, and the development of innovative treatment options. Food and Drug Administration approval of new weight-loss GLP-1 drugs has sparked hope for more effective interventions. Additionally, public health campaigns have raised awareness about the long-term health risks associated with obesity, leading to a shift in societal attitudes and increased support for those struggling with weight management.

While weight-loss drugs offer promise, addressing obesity as a multifaceted health issue—spanning diabetes, heart disease, and more—remains critical. However, medications alone are not the miracle solution to the world’s weight problem. Will 2025 become the year of recognizing obesity as an umbrella disease?

7. Israeli Innovation –  Resilience Under Pressure

Sudden attacks from all directions would consume any nation’s emotional and physical energies. If so, the past 16 months should absolutely distract Israel – a country the size of New Jersey – and its nine million Jewish, Muslim, and Druze citizens – from anything other than self-defense.  Despite incredible challenges, Israel continues to innovate, with its 1,600 life science companies driving advancements in digital health, diagnostics, and bio-convergence. Israeli startups raised $2.43 billion in the third quarter of 2024 across 99 rounds, representing a 32 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023 (pre-October 2023)

The number of groundbreaking Israeli-developed medical devices, biologics, and information technologies incorporated into US-headquartered life science companies’ pipelines and product portfolios secures this nation’s position as a global innovator hub. Its role model hospital, Sheba Medical Center, ranks among the world’s top health systems and seamlessly integrates the country’s cutting-edge technologies in intensive care, telemedicine, early diagnostics, smart surgical equipment, and digital imaging throughout its system.

Israel is taking another leap in health innovation through its investment in bio-convergence. It is poised to play a significant role in the next technological wave of the 21st century. 

8. US Advances in Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine focuses on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, tapping into the body’s natural healing processes. Innovations like stem cell regeneration, cell therapy, diabetes and regenerative knee treatments offer alternatives to invasive surgeries and improve outcomes for chronic conditions.

Regulatory frameworks are crucial to this progress, providing clear guidelines and streamlined approval processes to ensure safety while fostering innovation. As regenerative medicine reshapes health delivery, it stands out as a transformative force in addressing some of the most pressing medical challenges. It is science fiction in many ways—maintain an open mind.

9. Global Antimicrobial Resistance Collaboration

The WHO’s global antimicrobial resistance network is a critical step in combating superbugs. It enables real-time data sharing to identify resistance patterns and drive new antibiotic development. It is a big deal. In a world where pathogens know no borders, collective action through such a network is essential to safeguarding the efficacy of treatments and protecting lives worldwide. The urgency has willing partners ready to engage.

This collaborative surveillance network is a big step forward in the response to a silent pandemic threatening global health. Coordinated action across nations equips health systems with real-time tools to identify and respond to resistance patterns. The rise of drug-resistant infections undermines decades of medical progress, turning treatable conditions into life-threatening challenges. A unified surveillance network enhances early detection and targeted interventions and drives the development of new antibiotics and stewardship programs.  Watch what happens in the coming year – our well-being is at stake.

10. A New White House Administration – Anxiety Versus Reality

As the second Trump administration prepares to take up residence in the White House, health ecosystem stakeholders are abuzz about potential policy shifts. Drawing from past actions and election campaign rhetoric, it’s anticipated that this administration – based on executive nominees such as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., might implement changes through executive authority, bypassing congressional approval.  Food regulation policy is almost a given.  What about access to (some) vaccines? How about the review and regulations of medicines?  Verbal controversy leaves many wondering what will happen next.

The incoming administration’s health policy agenda remains uncertain, with potential changes to the ACA, Medicaid, and reproductive health policies sparking debate. Additionally, there may be moves to restrict access to abortion and contraception, reshape Medicaid through waivers and work requirements, and revise policies affecting LGBTQ+ health and immigration-related health needs.  The possibilities that can generate anxiety are numerous.  Wait and watch!

The Year Ahead and Beyond

These 10 health developments reflect the intersection of innovation, policy, and global collaboration. As we navigate 2025, the focus on improving lives and addressing disparities remains our collective responsibility – to rally to ideas and innovations that can improve people’s and our planet’s well-being.

From AI-supported diagnosis to vaccine breakthroughs in India and digital health leadership in the UK, the global health community demonstrates endless ingenuity. The developments of 2024 offer a roadmap for the future, proving that innovation is a team sport and together can overcome even the most formidable health challenges.

But innovation is like a Jenga structure—pull out the wrong piece at the wrong time, and health innovation can crumble or come to a screeching halt. It rests on three pillars: 1. People, 2. Policy, and 3. Investment. If policies do not support continued biomedical advances, equity and big business will likely search for other sectors that offer promise with a clear vision of a return on investment.

Let’s watch and advocate for a world where health in developed and emerging nations remains a top priority.

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Today, 136 civilians who have been kidnapped are still being held in Gaza by Hamas. Women, children, men and elderly people and the Israeli Defense forces are fighting in Gaza against Hamas terror infrastructures.

The war has taken a major emotional toll in Israel since countless Israelis experienced the atrocities directly or have been exposed to the tragedies by friends, family and the overwhelming news flow. The survivors, their families and rescuers who evacuated the bodies from the Kibbutzim burnt homes and witnessed the horrors and the families of those who has been called to serve and are now fighting in Gaza, and the general population that absorbed mentally the images and sounds of the war via social media and nearly 24/7 news coverage.

The symptoms are diverse and include PTSD, occurring when their life has been on stake, or after suffering severe injuries, stress, depression, anxiety and fear following the deadliest terror attack Israel has ever known since it was established 75 years ago. As a result, the number of Israelis needing medications to address those symptoms has grown dramatically. In addition, nearly 1,600 Israel soldiers who took part at battlefield in Gaza came back bruised not only physically but also mentally and there is a sincere concern that they will encounter severe difficulties coming back to their normal life, both to their work and families.

All those overwhelming events lead to the burnout of the medical staff members at the Israeli Hospitals and clinics that are taking an active part in the treatment of thousands of Israelis, both civilians and soldiers and need to deal with the major flow of patients in an increasing pace never seen before in Israel. To fill this vacuum Israeli innovation enters offering a variety of health technologies such as wearables, that monitor pulse and blood pressure, and applications that manages supply of medications as well as other digital health remote care platforms aiming to reduce the burden on the medical institutions and address the high demand for those services among Israelis.

When looking at the Israeli hospitals as well as private clinics, one immediately notices the diversity of its workforce that reflects the diversity of Israeli society: Jews, Arabs, Muslims and Christians working together as doctors, nurses and surgeons, despite the cultural differences and rising tension across Israel, engaged in the sacred mission of saving lives and providing the best treatment possible.

All are taking care of the Israeli hostages as well, that has been released after spent more than 50 days in Hamas’s captivity and immediately has been brought to a medical checkup upon their arrival to Israel and reunited with their families. A team of psychologists were waiting in advance at the hospitals, escorting the hostages and their families to ease as much as possible their ability to cope with the trauma and memories from captivity, providing consultancy regarding the best ways to handle with this new reality and improve the communication to better understand the patients, their distress and emotional needs as part of a long and complex process of rehabilitation.

For the people in the region, technology and mental health are at extreme proving grounds. How they will transform the future of care will result from these turbulent, terrible times will impact global health and clinical excellence.

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ARC Innovation and Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest medical center and a Newsweek ranked world’s best hospital for the last five years, announced today the integration of technology developed by two startups, Cognishine and Kemtai, to augment healthcare in the hospital’s newly expanded rehabilitation ward.

Sheba Medical Center is home to Israel’s largest rehabilitation hospital. Amid the Israel-Hamas war, Sheba expanded the hospital with the addition of a new state-of-the-art 36-bed ward to treat wounded soldiers. The new ward leverages a range of innovative digital medical technologies to augment medical staff capabilities and improve overall quality of care. 

“Now is the time to innovate. During the COVID pandemic, Sheba created innovative solutions to save lives and helped set the health protocols for the rest of the world,” said Prof. Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at Sheba Medical Center and Director and Founder of ARC Innovation. “Times of crisis present an opportunity to accelerate innovation and transformation in care. And this is exactly what we are setting out to do, given the immense need for rehabilitation in Israel at this time.”

To maximize the effectiveness of the new ward, Sheba called upon Israel’s startup ecosystem, inviting health tech companies to submit solutions for potential use in the rehab hospital. Out of 82 companies that applied to the project, eight were selected to pitch their solutions to a panel of Sheba clinicians and industry leaders. Out of these eight companies, Cognishine and Kemtai were selected to begin a pilot program at Sheba, with the aim of incorporating the solutions into day-to-day rehab treatment.

Cognishine’s digital platform supports therapists in providing effective care for cognitive, emotional, speech and language disorders. Digitizing traditional therapeutic processes, the company offers a wide range of activities based on real-world scenarios to help patients to regain cognitive, speech and social-emotional capabilities.

“Cognishine extends the reach of medical professionals, enabling them to continue providing care through digitized therapeutic activities aiding cognitive abilities,” said Nimrod Zilkha, Co-Founder & CEO of Cognishine. “We are honored to play a role alongside Sheba helping soldiers recover from the war and get back to their daily lives.”

Kemtai is an AI-powered exercise platform for physical therapy and rehab, compatible with most phones and computers. The app provides real-time feedback and corrective guidance during exercise, enabling patients to improve their performance and accelerate recovery.

“Kemtai is enabling patients to fully adhere to their rehabilitation exercises with AI-guided, real-time guidance, helping achieve the best possible outcomes,” said Dr. Mor Amitai, CEO of Kemtai. “Our pilot at Sheba will see even more patients with physical limitations recover through augmented exercise.”

# # #

About Sheba Medical Center

The largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer is generating global impact through its medical care, research and healthcare transformation. Sheba’s City of Health boasts acute-care, rehabilitation, children’s, cancer and geriatric hospitals, research and innovation hubs, medical simulation center and center for disaster response on one comprehensive campus in the center of Israel. Sheba serves as a true hospital without borders, welcoming patients and healthcare professionals from all over the world and consistently providing the highest-level medical care to all in need. Sheba has been ranked a World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek five years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). For more information, visit: https://sheba-global.com/

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The mental health trauma experienced by people with relatives and friends in war zones is known, documented, and mysterious. This is true for all people in the region: Jewish and Muslim, Arab and Israeli, Druze and Christian. This is true for all wars. The emotional burden of having loved ones, close friends, and colleagues in Israel living the nightmare first-hand is an undesired outcome of these devastating and horrific days.

But for the Jewish community as a whole – with diverse perspectives around culture and faith – there are unique hot buttons that are tipping points for mental health volcanic eruptions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, for those like me with family who were murdered or survived the Holocaust or pogroms, a profound sense of helplessness. Watching events unfold in real time before our eyes on social media and the news – while the world watches, too – calls to mind the unspeakable terror and fear of generations, which, for many of us, was safely filed away as “history,” yet is happening again, today, right now.

The uncertainty and constant worry of having relatives and friends in Israel now may lead to acute and chronic anxiety. The relentless concern about their safety can consume thoughts, interfere with daily functioning, and cause physical symptoms. The obsessive need to check social media feeds – with videos from civilians only moments before the Hamas attacks playing with their children during the long Jewish holiday weekend or dancing at the desert Nova Festival Peace Festival – are now remembered in final digital images that will terrorize their families, survivors and viewers for decades.  

Jewish schools across the United States and worldwide have warned parents to disable their children’s social media accounts, if possible, to shield them from anticipated videos of hostages being tortured or murdered. It is difficult for anyone to find a respite from social media with its everlasting digital footprint that draws us back to relive these horrors. WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, has gone on television to counsel all parents on protecting their children from the flood of online terror.

History Creates Communal PTSD

How can anyone with a heart not be depressed?  For Jews, the helplessness is compounded by our history of generations of helpless slaughter and the inability to protect or support family members.  We are a people that, before 1948, had no place to run, no haven, and no possibility of a protective force to rescue us anywhere in the world. 

Many of us who trace our family history using genealogy sites such as My Heritage or Ancestory.com find our relatives were shot, gassed or burnt to ash during the Nazi-led Holocaust.  Many of us whose grandparents or great-grandparents came to America to escape pogroms in Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. Many families were forced from their homes in Spain, Morocco, Yemen, Iran, and Iraq.  We now see those same images of our people fleeing in real-time. It is both infuriating and terrifying. My apartment building’s available space in Israel is now used to house families evacuated from the Southern border.  We live in a “back to the future” daze.

As an American Israeli who served as a paratrooper in the 1982 Lebanon War with homes in the States and Israel, the trauma experienced during the past days sparks well-suppressed PTSD. Witnessing graphic images of violence, hearing about near-death experiences, and constantly fearing for the safety of loved ones triggers flashbacks and numbness. It’s natural to become hypersensitive by continually thinking, “What would I do?” and feeling incredibly frustrated that we cannot respond to the call to protect and defend. I imagine being called upon to defend my home.  But that time has passed.  I sit, watch and wait like everyone else.

One of the most challenging aspects of this trauma is the lack of control. Helplessness can be overwhelming. It can lead to a deep sense of guilt. We want to do more than raise our voices or donate to charities for medical and emotional care – including sending “care packages” to Israeli Defense Force soldiers rallying in response to the massive attack against the civilians.

Half-Hearted Support Adds to the Pain

Right now, friends, family, and colleagues can play a significant role in helping the Jewish community cope. People ask: “How are you?”  It’s appreciated. Others say: “I’m here. I see you. I care about you.” These simple words often mean more than I can express. But in truth, our emotions are all over the place – from the news and absorbing the shock of events, from mourning the dead, from the collective trauma, from fear of the future and a repeated cycle of violence.

The vast majority take no joy in seeing the Palestinian people suffer.  Revenge is not a Jewish instinctive response to violence.  We are a people of hope and ideas – not anger.  Even Israel’s national anthem is titled:  “HaTikvah – The Hope.”

We do, however, feel the acute pain of silence and “whataboutism” – or worse, activists who claim to pursue justice and equality refusing to condemn acts of terrorism, full stop. Like a half-hearted apology, political leaders hedge their bets by acknowledging the terror Israel and Jews have experienced while criticizing the response.  From members of Congress like AOC trying to cover all bases and constituents to professional organizations – even the American Psychology Association – the need to ensure no one is offended can be offensive. Sometimes, the truth isn’t in the middle. And two truths can be held at once. People in pain need to feel distinctly heard. That’s basic communication smarts.

As close followers of the region’s history, the Jewish people have seen Hamas digging up and destroying their people’s water supply system to use the pipes as containers for the thousands of rockets fired into Israel’s cities.  We read how billions of United Nations and Saudi contributions to the people of Gaza didn’t go to build medical centers but toward tunnels.  We feel dismissed by these comments from the Progressive wing we have long supported.  Their ill-timed response adds to our collective pain.

One of the most challenging aspects of this trauma is the lack of control. Helplessness can be overwhelming. It can lead to a deep sense of guilt. We want to do more than raise our voices or donate to charities for medical and emotional care – including sending “care packages” to Israeli Defense Force soldiers rallying in response to the massive attack against the civilians.

What Can You or We Do

What can we do to help ourselves?  Use proven self-care methods, such as meditation, exercise, prayer and maintaining a strong social support network to navigate expected emotional turbulence. Awareness of the signs of distress and seeking timely intervention is key to preventing a natural reaction from becoming chronic. Remember, as the Book of Isaiah states, we are a people, made to be “A light unto the nations.” Continue to contribute and create.

Right now, we are at war with a brutal terrorist regime – one that stands opposed to not only Jews but Americans, Western nations, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the list goes on. People like to avoid confrontation.  But a response is essential when the Hamas action is so horrific and unbelievable.  We are not victims.  Our history of sadness does not leave us stranded in the past.  We must illuminate hope.

We are in pain collectively.  As I was raised in a home marked and influenced by death – from pogroms, the Holocaust, and wars- I still look to the “mountain from where my help comes,” a generational belief in faith.  But, as a former IDF soldier, I know that sometimes the message of brute force can lead to a next step – peace.  People like to avoid confrontation.  But a response is essential when the Hamas action is so horrific and unbelievable.  We will not be victims.  Our history of sadness has never left us stranded in the past.  It illuminates the hope.

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Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor and author, draws from experiences in Nazi concentration camps to develop a profound understanding of the importance of hope called logotherapy. This psychotherapeutic approach describes the search for a life’s meaning as the central human motivational force. Frankel observed that people in Nazi extermination camps who found a shred of hope, even in the bleakest circumstances, were more likely to endure and survive.

Frankl later wrote in his book Man’s Search for Meaning that “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

News reports of the Hamas attacks on Israel cover the unconscionable devastation of Israeli villages along the Southern border. An inhumane action directly almost entirely toward civilians, documented and shared on social media by terrorists not “caught in the act” but proudly sharing visuals online of their murder spree.  The media focuses primarily on geopolitical chaos and military response.  The human stories center around families searching for information about loved ones missing or the more than 100 civilians taken hostage to hostile territory – their destiny unknown.

The Biblical reading for Simchat Torah, the holiday marking the annual cycle of the conclusion of Torah readings, with which Hamas timed its well-coordinated attack, ends with a prophetic call from the Book of Joshua:  “Only be strong and resolute!”

The bigger story is to explore Israeli’s unwavering resilience in the face of so much horror.  Israel is built on “hope,” nurtured by hope, and resilient because hope is embedded in the people’s mental health psyche. Once the anguish and outrage are expressed, its citizens will turn to what they do best – rebuilding.  What of their neighbors? Will this successful blood-letting act be a catalyst for nation-building inspiration?

The Psychological Benefits of Hope

Psychologists have long recognized the vital role hope plays in people’s resilience. American psychologist Professor Charles Snyder defined hope as “a positive motivational state that is based on an interactively derived sense of successful agency (goal-directed energy) and pathways (planning to meet goals).” Snyder’s definition highlights the two critical components of hope: agency and pathways.

Agency is the belief that someone can initiate actions and make a difference. In desperate situations, this belief can be a lifeline. It fuels determination and empowers individuals to take control of their situation, no matter how hopeless and disappointing.

Pathways represent strategies and plans that can be developed to achieve those goals. Hope provides the internal flame framework for problem-solving and finding a way out of dire situations. Researchers emphasize that hope is intricately linked to a person’s problem-solving abilities, making it an essential psychological – even people-building – resource.

When Hate Defines Purpose

Hope is not just an abstract concept; it can be nurtured and cultivated. This is one of Israel’s and its people’s most significant resources – not oil, diamonds, or other precious natural resources.  Hope is a national treasure that can be mined and replenished. It is the micro-processor of the “Start-Up Nation” credited with countless innovations that are used in medicine, technology and auto GPS systems.

Right now, Israel must secure its borders and prevent nearby nations from taking advantage of the current instability.  That “hopefully” is in its neighbors – Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and even Saudi Arabia’s – best geopolitical interests.  Then, it must address painful steps to determine how low-tech terrorist planning overwhelmed the hi-tech intelligence system of one of the world’s greatest innovation engines. But those steps will not deter the nation’s simultaneous focus on healing and hope.

This national soul-searching is another painful chapter in the bigger saga – how will this mega terrorist war-level attack change its approach to the relationship with the Palestinians and influence Palestinian’s strategy to build a nation not based on hate?  Historically, Hamas celebratory events have not been rooted in establishing statehood-level institutions in Gaza that support culture, education, finance, health, and infrastructure. 

No one can account for the billions in regional and global aid directed to Hamas for infrastructure and refugee support. Where has it been spent? For tunnels or teachers?  For medical supplies or missiles?  Just the aid provided by Saudi Arabia alone to the Palestinian people during the last 17 years exceeded $6 billion. That does not include other United Nations members and institutions. But where is the ROI for these billions, and how does that massive investment kindle hope on the part of the Palestinian people when the fruits of the spending are invisible to the people?

As we’ve seen in the media during the past few days, Hamas invested mightily in this attack against Israel. An attack that is certain to be answered with a military response further setting back Palestinian citizens trapped in this hostile maze.  Finding hope through the possibilities of peace is almost impossible when encouraged public expression for success is in killing “the other.”

Hope is a Catalyst

Hope empowers individuals and acts as a catalyst for positive societal change. When people collectively hold onto hope for a better future, they mobilize their efforts to bring about that change: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had “a dream” driven by the hope for racial equality and justice. This hope – still burning in a nation’s heart – galvanizes millions of people to take action and continues to lead urgent changes.

The global response to climate change is fueled by hope for a sustainable and healthy planet. Swedish environmental and climate activist Greta Thunberg embodies the transformative power of hope. Her unwavering belief that change is possible has inspired millions of young people worldwide to demand action from their governments and advocate for a greener future. Her hope drives her to eyeball global leaders and demand urgent action. 

Thunberg scolded the world’s leaders in her speech at the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit by exclaiming, “How dare you” about their perceived indifference and inaction to the climate crisis. Her actions are a catalyst for young people worldwide to step forward and work toward a sustainable planet.

Israel and Palestine – Hope and Hate

What has happened during the past few days in Israel – brutal attacks against women, children, and aged citizens- is horrifying.  The visuals – well documented by the terrorists themselves and proudly shared – reinforce the energy that drives Hamas – a thirst for Jewish blood that seems impossible to quench.  

But what of the Palestinian people?  Is that their destiny? Their national desire? To endure endless retaliations that rekindle hate?  To change their future, they must find – or demand – capable, trustworthy leaders who inspire nation-building hope and abandon hatred as a preferred political path!  As Professor Snyder suggested, they must have people at the helm who offer agency and a pathway – a goal–oriented agency matched by plans to achieve that goal. 

And of Israel? For the rest of their lives, like countless generations, the memories of loved ones slaughtered helplessly will haunt family, friends, and the nation.  But that tormented energy and “how and why” questions will elevate the country toward agency and a pathway, as Snyder suggested:  “Now what and to where?”

Golda Meir, the Israeli Prime Minister, who shepherded a wounded nation through the surprise Yom Kippur War – another incredibly devastating, unexpected war that started 50 years almost to the day of this October 2023 Hamas attack – offered insight paralleling Professor Snyder’s insight. “Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.”  Hate is a disease that must be overcome emotionally.

For all its generational waves of suffering, the Jewish people and the nation of Israel continue to draw upon the endless resource that will guide its collective next steps – faith and purpose standing on a foundation of enduring hope. That is the inspiring story of a people – as the Biblical Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, as “A light unto the nations” – with renewable positive energy to sustain itself and contribute to the world.

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Already recognized for its health, defense, and technology achievements, the country is emerging rapidly as a global environmental innovation leader. How can such a small nation punch so heavily above its weight in high science and intense engineering advances? Simply put, Israel has all the right stuff: more engineers per capita than most developed nations, an entrepreneurial, collaborative energy that is infectious, a heavy focus on STEM, and a keen business understanding that Israel is a critical development-center hub with North America and Europe as the primary business targets.

According to Start-Up Nation Central, the non-profit that connects Israel’s tech and science community to the world, almost 1,000 Israeli enterprises are pursuing a range of decarbonization, climate adaptation, and environmental protection technologies with the potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address its root causes.

Israel plans to rub shoulders with the world’s leading NGOs and companies and highlight its advances at the upcoming COP28 gathering in Dubai. Under the banner of the Israeli Innovation Authority – a collaborative body of government agencies – this organization announced that it will sponsor 100 Israeli environmental innovation start-ups and expects to bring a 1,000-person delegation to Dubai at the end of November for the three-week convening of policy leaders, mega-corporations and change agents.

During the summer trip, we met with 11 companies on the frontlines of climate tech innovation. We cannot say whether they are among those the Israel Innovation Authority will sponsor – but they should undoubtedly be on the sector’s “to-follow” radar screen. As necessary, their subsectors – biodegradables, food supply, renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and water supply – reinforce how environmental innovation has become big business.

Biodegradables

Biodegradables are crucial for addressing climate change and reducing the burden of persistent waste. Unlike conventional plastics, they minimize pollution and conserve resources. Inventing products and promoting greater use can mitigate plastic-related emissions, decrease landfill waste, and advance toward a more sustainable future.

Solutum

What happens to shrink-wrap after it is discarded? Unsurprisingly, it often ends up in landfills with other non-biodegradable waste products. Solutum is addressing this challenge and may enable mega-companies to comply quickly with policies from 28 countries that have laws to encourage reduced and greater recycling of discarded packaging. The company seeks to reduce plastic pollution through sturdy and biodegradable alternatives. Its approach uses natural biomass that dramatically reduces fossil fuel use. It controls the compound’s temperature sensitivity to water through proprietary manufacturing to create predetermined temperature and dissolving times to eliminate waste from landfills. LinkedIn

Here is the Medika Life feature article on Solutum.

WipeFlush

Wet wipes are a plastic-based product that clog pipes and enter septic systems. They are another ubiquitous plastic product entering water systems. WipeFlush founder Moshe Toprovsky is a lawyer by training and now a declared environmentalist. Toprovsky came up with an idea to make the wipe industry sustainable and support the continued convenience of wipes without damaging the environment. While at an early stage, the category is a must-watch.   LinkedIn

Food-Chain Sustainability

Plant-based alternative meat options are an environmental priority and reduce the carbon impact of traditional animal agriculture. Tasty alternatives require fewer natural resources, produce lower greenhouse gas emissions, use less land and water, and attract corporate and consumer interest. The faster we shift toward plant-based proteins, the sooner we can tackle the pressing climate challenges of deforestation and excessive water usage while ensuring a sustainable food supply to meet the growing global demand.

More Foods

The world is moving in the direction of consuming less meat. Some cite health priorities, and others are concerned about how meat production raises our carbon footprint. Yet, according to More Foods CEO Leonardo Markovitz, though most consumers want to reduce their meat consumption to live healthier lives, consumers don’t consider today’s meatless options healthy. The health-conscious, discerning public sees what’s in alternative meat products and aren’t impressed by the ingredients. More Foods has developed a new, scalable platform using pumpkin and sunflower seeds, leveraging the ability to extract oil from the seeds and create a scrumptious product already finding its way into popular restaurant chains. More Foods uses the leftover fragments from this process, turning them into a powder and a textured product. LinkedIn

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy innovation is essential to confront climate change and ensure a sustainable future. There’s no way around it: we must transition away from fossil fuels. By advancing technologies like solar, wind, and hydropower, it is possible to reduce carbon footprints and create new economic opportunities. Innovation in renewables for some nations will lead to energy independence and pave the way for a resilient energy infrastructure that meets global energy demands while preserving the planet.

BrightMerge

Transitioning entirely to electric cars and trucks seems like a no-brainer. The barrier to entry for car fleet managers, city planners and consumers is access to charging stations. Where to place power and how much requires data analysis and usage trends. Here is where cloud-based technology and AI can accelerate the adoption of the category. BrightMerge has created its “Microgrid Operations Platform” to help decision-makers better understand how much power a grid can produce and determine where and when to supplement the energy needs.  LinkedIn

First Airborne

The earth has enough sun and wind to meet renewable energy consumption needs. First Airborne is well on its way to helping wind farms address one of the sector’s biggest challenges – efficiency and profitability. The potential of wind power lies in its ability to generate clean electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to energy diversification. Now, it is one of the fastest-growing infrastructures in history. Measuring wind power is crucial to secure its place as a practical solution, and First Airborne is at the forefront of combining drone and highly sensitive measurement technologies to enable wind power to reach its greatest potential.

Here is the Medika Life feature on First Airborne.

Flower Turbine

Wind power needn’t interrupt the natural landscape. The company’s wind turbines capture the look of “tulips,” which are low-noise and produce alternative energy on-or-off the utility grid.  Flower Turbine is global – headquartered in New York, it operates a European subsidiary, its -manufacturing plant is in The Netherlands, and its engineering team is rooted in Israel. Its move from start-up to commercial operation underscores the potential of this company to scale up and secure multi-national government contracts.  LinkedIn

Hard to believe?  Just watch:

Rhino Eco

Rhino Eco promises to make solar and clean energy accessible. People have moved past the aesthetic hesitancy of having solar power panels affixed to their rooftops. Cost remains a factor, however, and individual companies offering solar panel installation must lower the barriers to adoption. Drawing upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Rhino Eco uses “fintech” to empower climate tech solar energy purchasing decisions. The solar panel sector includes larger and smaller contractors. Rhino Eco supports the sector – from installers to home owners – by offering several loan and lease financing options through its network and uses aggregated information technology to personalize financing possibilities tailored to each homeowner’s needs.  LinkedIn

Sustainable Urban Development

Urban clusters contribute significantly to climate change due to increased energy consumption, heat island effects, and carbon emissions. New construction materials with improved insulation and reduced carbon footprint are crucial to counter this. Also, “bioshade”— strategically planting trees and vegetation—mitigates heat, enhances air quality, and reduces energy needs for cooling. Implementing these innovations in urban design can curb climate change, create sustainable cities, and improve the quality of urban life.

BioShade

Increasing population density in urban centers is matched by deforestation and construction. Society is creating “urban heat islands.” Planned and scaled vegetation cover can help. Planting trees in cities can help. But trees require growing time – and heat waves are frequent and dangerous. BioShade Green Infrastructure is one pathway to reduce urban hot spots. This proven nature-based solution provides biological shading, natural shade, and natural cooling benefits, improving city air quality.  LinkedIn

ECOncrete

State, Federal, and local governments on the coast recognize that water lines are rising. Concrete reef barriers are the go-to solutions as populations build along desirable coastlines. However, this leads to ecosystem degradation – increasing risks to coastal residents, environmental marine life, and longer-term biodiversity.

Marine artificial reefs and water barriers are usually concrete-based, and designers too frequently disregard biodiversity priorities and ecological impact. Low-cost materials secure the “low-bid position” on public works contracts. But, what appears to be low-cost has a tremendous economic impact. Kicking the can down the road when it comes to construction sustainability is becoming costly. ECOncrete has created a material composition and design that supports biological sustainability and marine life. Its benefits are many. This environmental construction advance improves structural performance and reduces mitigation fees and penalties cost-effectively. LinkedIn

GreenVibe

Among the more expensive elements in construction is cement. However, expense is only one part of the architect’s and construction company’s burden. Cement production contributes to substantial carbon emissions, consuming fossil fuels and releasing CO2 during manufacturing and curing processes, significantly contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions. Each ton of concrete produces around 910 kg of CO2. GreenVibe has “wearable-like” technology to measure how much concrete concentration is needed to build safer, environmentally sound structures. Accurate factual data can reduce cement usage in the industry by 25%. LinkedIn

Water Supply

Climate-independent atmospheric water generation offers a transformative solution to water scarcity. By extracting moisture from the air, this technology provides a reliable water source regardless of regional climatic conditions. It reduces pressure on traditional water sources, enhances resilience to droughts, and ensures a more secure and accessible water supply for communities worldwide.

Be Air

Today, there are two main methods of atmospheric water generation:

1. Liquid desiccant absorption, and:
2. Cooling and condensation.

These methods have high water maintenance and are limited geographically by relative humidity rate. BeAir is taking on this technological challenge. Rather than reinvent the wheel, the company’s engineers have adapted membrane material from high-precision medical devices. The result is a new pathway – an accessible and easy-to-place almost anywhere – system that generates drinkable water from “thin air” using a precise energy force using 60% less power than other sector players. Be Air seeks to redefine how to tap into climate-independent atmospheric water generation with reduced energy requirements and minimal maintenance.  LinkedIn

The Climate Innovation Model

Israel has become a must-watch global hub in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability through the Israeli government’s support for collaboration that brings together a matchless entrepreneurial ecosystem, technologists with a proven track record of practical advancements, and a community of thriving startups. Other nations – particularly emerging nations – face similar challenges and conditions, and they can lead the charge in a global transition to a greener, more sustainable future by fostering collaboration to create an infrastructure that guides, supports and brings purpose-centered investors to the table of possibilities. These 11 companies and the 1,000 plus more in Israel may be role models for environmental innovation we should support through counsel, connections, and investment.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Nicole Grubner, partner and Environmental Innovation Lead, FINN Partners Israel, Cullen Burnell, chief of staff, Health and Purpose, FINN Partners, Levi Shapiro, founder and curator, mHealth Israel, Adam Salkin, partner, Herzog Law, Tel Aviv, Israel and to all the climate tech champions in the “Start-Up Nation” for sharing with me their efforts to improve planet earth.

The post Climate Tech May be Among the World’s Greatest Public Health Priorities appeared first on Medika Life.

Last year, the Israeli Innovation Authority shepherded 10 climate tech startups to COP27 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. In 2022, those companies represented the country’s growing climate tech sector, from alternative protein production to clean energy systems to waste mitigation solutions.

Now, fast forward one year to COP28 in Dubai. The Israeli Innovation Authority has announced that its contingent will blossom 10-fold – 100 companies and 1,000 people – including 30 start-ups will join government ministers, scientists, investors, businesspeople, and environmental groups uniting to drive the “Climate of Innovation.”

Answering the “BHAG” of Climate Commitment

At the November/December COP28 gathering – expected to attract 80,000 attendees – signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement will join a global reflection exercise to benchmark how all are progressing toward their climate change commitments. Those “big hairy audacious net zero goals” include reducing global warming emissions to keep average temperature increases below 2°C (3.6°F) and ideally 1.5°C (2.7°F), compared with pre-industrial 1880s levels.

But the communal soul-searching will most likely arrive swiftly at the conclusion we all dread hearing – we are not on track to hit our targets. Global temperature is projected to warm by about 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7° degrees Fahrenheit) by 2050 and 2-4 degrees Celsius (3.6-7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100.

How do we turn the tide? We must empower innovators to move their climate/tech ideas from bench to test to market as quickly as possible.

What is holding up the pace of progress?

When Talent, Capital and Policy Align, Change is Possible

Three things must align: talent, financial capital, and government policies. This is why Israel is climbing the leaderboard of game-changers. The Israeli government has given the green light for ministries to collaborate and launch start-up incubators and innovation hubs focused on clean technologies and climate change solutions. Encouraging policies support entrepreneurs and provide resources for developing and ramping up climate-friendly technologies. The right environment has been cultivated. Then it comes down to talent and capital.

Israel has one of the world’s highest numbers of engineers per capita; the Start-Up Nation is estimated to have around 135 engineers per 10,000 people. But now, the country’s educational system prepares those interested in the sciences and engineering to supercharge their abilities.

The scale of talent is there and getting smarter. 

The BioConvergence of Science and Engineering

“Our M.Sc. bio-convergence program aims to train leaders of multidisciplinary projects. We believe synthetic biology, bio-convergence, and an economic growth engine can help the environment and many other aspects affecting human health,” reflects Yuval Dorfan, Ph.D., MBA, Senior lecturer, HIT: Holon Institute of Technology in Israel and Research Fellow at Zvi Meitar Institute, Reichman University. “The program will cover all aspects required for developing new products: bio-engineering tools, sustainability, bioethics, cyber-biosecurity, and regulation.” 

Incubators, accelerators, and private equity groups in Israel focused on training and investment for the defense, technology and health sectors have been welcome and plentiful. But addressing the pressing challenges of the planet demands their full engagement to advance the country’s climate and environmental innovation sector. That’s happening.

Israel’s private equity community increasingly supports the environment and climate tech sector. Private equity firms in Israel recognize the importance of addressing the social impact of climate change globally. The country’s history in overcoming environmental challenges in water conservation, energy scarcity and recycling has made it a real-world testing ground for ideas that work.  Its emphasis on protecting nature creates a balance between business and biology.

The Power of Collaboration

Venture capital firms have moved rapidly to begin funding startups and growth-stage companies that focus on renewable energy, clean technologies, sustainable agriculture, water management, waste management, and other sectors related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. They provide capital, expertise, and strategic guidance to help these companies develop and scale their technologies.

COP28 is expected to be Israel’s breakout moment in ecohealth and climate tech, and Israeli private equity and venture capital teams are ramping up efforts in preparation. Aside from the three essentials for success – talent, capital, and favorable policies – Israel has a global competitive advantage: its society is highly collaborative. 

Sharing knowledge is part of the country’s entrepreneurial culture.  On Thursday, July 20th, leading investors, academics, and government officials will share insights with entrepreneurs in a Meet-Up organized by Levi Shapiro, curator and founder of mHealth Israel, titled: “2024 EcoHealth & ClimateTech Investment Outlook.” 

Many of the country’s leading minds will update attendees on the investment and regulatory landscape, key trends and success factors in the climate tech sector, and the role of government and the private sector in championing climate innovation.

Dr. Yael Parag Cohen, incoming Dean, Reichman University; Inbar Blum, Deputy Head, Growth Division, Israel Innovation Authority; Anat Tsour, Founding CEO, Capital Nature; Inbar Blum, and Bracha Halaf Ph.D., Managing Partner, ClimateTech VC, will be presenting and joining in the conversation at the Herzog law firm, 6 Yitzhak Sadeh, 1F, Tel Aviv. 

The Planet Doesn’t Need People – People Need the Planet

Talent, capital, and policy are essential to address one of the world’s most pressing needs – a failing environment. From the nation that brought us Waze and AI-powered Mobileye, Israel, which has already created desert-friendly irrigation and drinking water produced from thin air, will likely deliver breakthrough climate/tech soon.

The post Climate Change, COP28 and the Ingredients for Accelerated Innovation in the Start-Up Nation appeared first on Medika Life.

Israel – The Climate of Innovation Heads to COP28

While some are still considering whether to head to Dubai for COP28, Israel is committed to having significant presence at the “Davos of Climate Change.” Known for its health, defense, technology and entrepreneurship achievements, the country is emerging rapidly as a global environmental innovation leader.  Israel plans to bring a 1,000-person delegation representing some 100 companies to Dubai. 

According to Start-Up Nation Central – the non-profit that connects Israel’s tech and science community to the world, almost 1,000 Israeli enterprises are pursuing a range of decarbonization, climate adaptation, and environmental protection technologies with the potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address its root causes.

“With our global outreach to multinational companies and investors, we are advancing the Israeli energy sector and its technologies as an important and viable solution to the world energy challenge and a solutions hub for reducing global carbon emissions,” said the non-profit’s Head of Climate Tech Sector Yael Weisz Zilberman. “Mapping sub-sectors and the companies in each provides broad accessibility to Israeli technological solutions and enables the entire sector to expand its activities.”

Many consider COP28 as Israel’s “declaration to lead” event. For the second consecutive COP event, the Israeli pavilion in Dubai will appear under the “Climate of Innovation” umbrella. The connection of Israel to innovation is expected; the country known for making the desert bloom takes on ecological challenges with can-do confidence married with an inventive spirit to develop groundbreaking solutions that can significantly impact climate change and support sustainability.  But that doesn’t happen without dedicated, collaborative effort.

Collaboration is Key to Creating Technology that Addresses Climate Change

Through a combination of government support, academic research and a strong, healthy community of entrepreneurial businesses, Israel is a fertile proving ground for environmental innovation, so much so that the country’s innovation community has created a collaborative blueprint for other nations to follow. 

The Israeli government has implemented policies and initiatives to support and promote innovation with major companies at home and abroad, and with other nations to prioritize climate change and sustainability for investment and development.  It has resulted in Israel becoming a laboratory for research and development in renewable energy; water purification, desalination and management; and sustainable agriculture. It’s also an approach that delivers returns on investment by building a collaborative culture of innovation.

For example, a collaborative Environmental Sustainability Innovation Lab (ESIL) dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability is among the nation’s many exciting projects. Another is the creation of the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), a cooperative effort between the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Israeli Ministry of Economy launched in 2019. Start-ups participating in these incubators receive advice and funding to build infrastructure and have a better pathway toward financing for their “proof of concept.”

The incubator is a model for accelerated progress, and its reputation has had global benefits. Morocco, the fourth Arab country to normalize ties with Israel, is now pursuing cooperation with Israel in environment, natural resources and climate change. If long-time enemies can recognize that without a sustainable planet, all are lost, it provides hope that we can make progress against rising global temperatures.

Investing in the Planet’s Future

Crucial in advancing environmental innovation is Israel’s thriving startup ecosystem. The country is home to a growing community of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists passionate about accelerating technological solutions to pressing environmental problems. Startups are tackling diverse issues, ranging from waste management and recycling to energy efficiency and urban sustainability. Purpose-centered investors with proven ROI track records are focusing on the progress and potential of Israeli-based environmental innovations.

Investors are also crucial to that collaborative effort. Among the premier, global, purpose-focused investors watching the sector in Israel is ARK Invest, which believes innovation can solve the most persistent problems and help transform the way the world works. They are doing more than watching the start-up nation; they are going all-in, looking for both return on investment and meaningful social impact.

ARK Invest recognized that Israel is a world leader in developing innovative products and services.  Its Chief Investment Officer Cathie Wood shared with Medika Life that “Israel’s companies are advancing scientific research and enhancing many sectors of the global economy. Ranked highly in the world for technological advancements and entrepreneurship and responsible for many innovations, ARK thinks Israel has earned its status as an innovation powerhouse.”

The Climate Innovation Model

Through government support of collaboration that brings together a matchless entrepreneurial ecosystem; technologists with a proven track record of practical advancements; a community of thriving startups; and visionaries in Israel and other countries, Israel has become a must-watch leader in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. Other nations – particularly emerging nations – face similar challenges and conditions, and they can accelerate the global transition to a greener, more sustainable future by fostering collaboration to create an infrastructure that guides, supports and brings purpose-centered investors to the table of possibilities.

A world facing climate change that threatens human health and long-term existence needs proven models that point the way to achieving a sustainable future. Israel, poised to join the inner circle of climate leaders, is a success story and a model for others to follow.

[The next report will come from Israel and highlight some companies at the forefront of environmental and sustainability innovation.]

The post Environmental Innovation in Israel: A Laboratory for Climate and Sustainability Solutions appeared first on Medika Life.

Digital Health Interviews: Levi Shapiro and Ellie Hanson on Digital Health in Israel

This new episode of Digital Health, hosted by Ukrainian health innovation leader Alex Koshykov, focuses on the topic of digital health in Israel. Guests are mHealth Israel Founder Levi Shapiro and FINN Partners Partner Ellie Hanson. Together, they discuss the current situation in the digital health market in Israel, how government helps startups in their early stages, and what are the main differences between American and Israeli health systems.

Ellie provides a short intro to a marketing strategy for digital health startups while Levi gave lots of useful tips for startup founders.

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