Transforming healthcare: UCB’s digital health Startup Program 2024 cohort

Healthcare is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting patient behaviors. As it changes, UCB's Digital Care Transformation (DCTx) team is committed to leading this transformation by fast-tracking innovation to enhance patient lives. Central to this mission is the DCTx Startup Program – an initiative designed to accelerate the development of groundbreaking digital health startups to drive better patient outcomes. By providing startups with resources, guidance and real-world validation, UCB helps build a vibrant ecosystem to develop more efficient healthcare solutions and foster a stronger, digitally led industry.

The DCTx Startup Program is an annual program run by UCB that aims to support digital health startups by providing them with tailored technical and business mentoring. The program is rooted in the belief that collaboration and innovation are essential to overcome the complex challenges within healthcare. UCB invests time in understanding the distinct needs of each startup and then designs a mentorship plan specifically tailored to their challenges.

In turn, startups can access UCB’s extensive network of industry experts and real-world testing opportunities. This approach ensures each startup receives focused guidance to sharpen their solutions and fast-track their journey to market. This hands-on, customized support is consistently highlighted as one of the program’s most valued features. By providing mentorship and support to early-stage startups, UCB aims to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.

Launched in 2022, the DCTx Startup Program focuses on addressing critical unmet patient needs. Each year, UCB partners with some of the most forward-thinking startups in healthcare to tackle complex challenges. In its inaugural year, the program welcomed four startups, followed by five in 2023. This year, four startups have already been onboarded, with a focus on finding solutions across rare central nervous system diseases, dermatological conditions and equitable care for People of Color.

Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for managing complex diseases, yet it remains a significant challenge, especially for rare and chronic conditions. This year’s cohort is addressing these needs head-on.

ALLOS AI is an Oxford-based company pioneering a Causal AI platform designed to improve clinical trial design and precision diagnostics. By integrating real-world data from electronic health records with multi-modal data such as EEG, MRI and biomarkers, ALLOS AI’s platform can better stratify patients through digital twins. This approach is particularly promising for rare central nervous system diseases like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), where early intervention can significantly improve patient care.

Dermatological conditions can be particularly challenging to diagnose. Dermus, a medtech company from Budapest, is hoping to improve diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful and often misdiagnosed skin condition. Their multimodal imaging device, combining optical, ultrasound and Doppler technologies, acts as a "virtual skin biopsy" to give clinicians deeper insights into skin structure. This innovation could allow for more accurate assessment and scoring of HS, improving diagnosis and enabling better patient management – a crucial advancement for a condition that severely impacts quality of life.

Skin conditions can also present diagnostic hurdles in populations often underserved by traditional methods, particularly People of Color. To tackle this challenge, SkinCheck and Proton Health were chosen as part of the Program’s 2024 cohort to further explore the development of their AI-driven solutions aimed at improving the accuracy and inclusivity of dermatological diagnostics. SkinCheck, founded in Oklahoma, has created an AI-powered app that assesses skin lesions across all skin tones, mitigating racial bias and ensuring more equitable care for patients at risk of skin cancer. Proton Health, based in London, focuses on treating eczema by using AI to predict flare-ups, identify triggers and personalize treatment plans.

UCB’s Startup Program would not be possible without the expertise of The Bakery, a global innovation consultancy founded in London in 2012. As a trusted partner, The Bakery supports UCB in guiding startups through each stage of development, from onboarding to solution validation. Leveraging its vast global network and deep market intelligence, The Bakery helps startups transform ideas into impactful innovations. With a focus on delivering consistent, real-world results, The Bakery ensures the seamless execution of the program, maximizing the potential of each venture. Learn more about The Bakery’s role in driving innovation here: The Bakery

The mentoring phase of UCB’s Startup Program culminates in Pitch Day, where the 2024 cohort will showcase their cutting-edge solutions and share their insights with the wider UCB community. A panel of senior UCB executives, digital health investors and industry partners will evaluate the startups' progress and offer critical feedback and guidance to help the startups take their innovations to the next level.

Scheduled for December 11th, Pitch Day will be held online and at two major UCB hubs – Brussels and Atlanta. This day serves as a platform for startups to gain valuable exposure and offers attendees a chance to engage directly with some of the most exciting developments in digital health.

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors and healthcare professionals, gaining insights into the transformative technologies reshaping the future of healthcare.

For anyone interested in attending the Pitch Day, either in-person or online, please reach out to marie-noel.achkar@ucb.com and secure your spot at this exciting event.

Stay tuned to find out more.