Industry insiders on the hard truths of health innovation

Expert Panel Contribution — Daniela Schardinger

Every year, thousands of health tech startups launch with glossy pitches about revolutionsing healthcare.

But few stay the course and make the long-term impact that investors and the healthcare system demand.

We reached out to Health Tech World and Femtech World members who’ve watched the innovation cycle from every angle with the following question:

What’s a hard truth about health innovation that most startups don’t want to hear? 

Startups are rarely built to commercialise — at least not early on. I’ve learned that launching too soon can do more damage than waiting. The moment you’re seen as “commercial,” the market, regulators and investors hold you to standards designed for global players, regardless of your team size or budget. I’ve watched strong products struggle simply because the infrastructure around them wasn’t ready yet. In health, selling isn’t a test of interest; it’s a promise of support, safety and accountability. Not every great innovation should rush to prove itself with revenue.

Read the full article on Health Tech World