EMPOWERING HEALTH PIONEERS – CREATING IMPACT IN HEALTH
Health Innovation Switzerland AG (HIS) powers the Health Pioneer Program on behalf of its three founding partners: Lichtsteiner Foundation, Leister Foundation and Otto Mihm Foundation. Our mission is to identify Switzerland’s most promising life science innovations in healthcare, including biotech, medtech, and digital health – and support pioneering startups with strong science and compelling data in advancing breakthrough technologies towards measurable impact on people’s health.
THE HEALTH PIONEER PROGRAM
SCOUTING
Discovering the next generation of health pioneers. Through our nationwide network, we identify promising healthcare startups and disruptive innovations addressing clear and relevant medical needs. We look for breakthrough solutions with strong differentiation, meaningful impact potential, and entrepreneurial teams capable of turning innovation into reality.
SELECTION
We systematically evaluate and support promising early-stage startups based on their innovation, medical and scientific relevance, impact potential for patients, technology, team and development prospects.
SUPPORT
Beyond enabling our founding partner foundations to provide financial support, we help the startups with access to experts, warm introductions, impact assessment, and other non-financial expertise designed to accelerate.
PARTNERSHIPS
Innovation thrives through collaboration. Health Innovation Switzerland builds strategic partnerships and networks with universities, research institutions, innovation organizations, foundations, and other non-profit partners across Switzerland and abroad.
MEET THE TEAM
Sabina Sperisen
CEO
Daniela Doda
Health Innovation Manager
Arzu Öztürk
Backoffice Manager
Egle Thomas
Life Science, Digital Health & Mental Health Advisor
Alethia de León
Investment Advisor
Bettina Ernst
Life Science & Startup Expert
Meriam Kabbaj
Life Science & Startup Expert
Matthias Häni
Impact Measurement Advisor
Nathan Meier
Working Student
Pablo Messerli
Working Student
Noelle Wyss
Working Student
Karin Morgade
Chair of the Board
Christian Baur
Board Member
Marco Strahm
Board Member