Israel and Finland launched a collaboration in the digital health arena on April 15 at the Embassy of Finland in Israel, where a call for proposals for joint projects between companies from the two nations was issued.

The Israel-Finland Pilot Program is led by the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and the Helsinki Business Hub. It will provide funding and matching services for Israeli and Helsinki-area companies partnering to co-develop, test, improve and pilot technologies, products and services in the fields of digital health, smart mobility and information and communication technologies.

“Collaboration with Israeli companies will help Finnish startups access groundbreaking technologies that support the country’s progressive health policies, protect Finnish citizens’ well-being, and maintain Finland’s status as a global leader in healthcare technology,” IIA CEO Aharon Aharon said.

“This is also an extraordinary opportunity for Israeli companies to connect with Finnish leaders in the digital health ecosystem, gain exposure to new cutting-edge technologies, receive support for meaningful innovations, and tap into the Finnish market.”

Ambassador-designate of Finland to Israel Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen said the program “is an important and exciting leap forward for the cooperation between Finland and Israel as leading innovative countries.”

Digital health is Finland’s largest high-tech export. It was one of the first countries to set up a national digital patient data repository.

Marja-Liisa Niinikoski, CEO of Helsinki Business Hub, said that “Israel’s technological prowess, highly skilled workforce, and record on innovation in digital health” can lead to “endless opportunities for fruitful collaboration. We are excited to embark on this cooperative venture between two of the world’s most innovative economies – for the benefit of all humankind.”

The deadline for project submissions is December 31, 2019.

[Photo: Israel21c]